Criminals who refuse to attend sentencing could lose prison privileges under new rules
Summary
New rules in England and Wales will allow judges to punish criminals who refuse to attend their sentencing hearings by taking away prison privileges or keeping them in their cells for weeks. These rules aim to make sure offenders face the consequences and show respect to victims and their families.Key Facts
- The new rules will start next year in England and Wales.
- Judges can remove privileges for up to 84 days, confine offenders to cells for up to 21 days, or limit social visits.
- Offenders who skip sentencing can face these added punishments on top of their original sentences.
- Younger offenders (ages 18 to 20) have shorter restrictions: privileges removed for up to 21 days and cell confinement up to 10 days.
- Visitors who are prisoners’ children are exempt to help keep family ties.
- The Justice Ministry said these powers will help punish offenders properly but can’t guarantee attendance.
- Victim representatives say the change supports victims’ families by holding offenders accountable.
- This comes as nearly 2,000 prisoners were recently released to reduce overcrowding in prisons.
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