A new bill introduced to Parliament in England and Wales proposes that offenders who refuse to attend their sentencing may face an extra two years in prison. Victims' families advocate for this law change to prevent criminals from evading justice. The legislation aims to empower judges to enforce attendance at court, and can apply to any Crown Court case. Families of murder victims, including Sabina Nessa and Zara Aleena, express support for the bill, viewing it as a recognition of their losses and a form of accountability.
All of their loved ones' killers did not attend their sentencing hearings, prompting calls to change the law.
The bill will only become law once it has been approved by MPs and the House of Lords.
It gives families a moment of recognition and a form of reparation. It is a moment of reckoning for the convicted.
New measures under the Victims and Courts Bill could apply to any case in the Crown Court.
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