Criminals who refuse to attend sentencing in England and Wales could face an additional two years in prison, under a new bill to be introduced to Parliament on Wednesday. Additional powers for judges to punish offenders absent from sentencing will mean they cannot "opt out" of justice, victims' families have said. "It is not about punishment through force - but about ensuring that perpetrators cannot remove themselves from the consequences of their actions," said the families of murdered primary school teacher Sabina Nessa, law graduate Zara Aleena and mother-of-three Jan Mustafa. 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. Powers already exist to compel people to attend court but they are often not used. New measures under the Victims and Courts Bill could apply to any case in the Crown Court, including those who attend proceedings but are removed from court for disruptive behaviour - like Southport killer Axel Rudakubana. Offenders already facing whole life orders could be confined to their cells and be stripped of privileges, like extra gym time, under the new bill. In a joint statement, the victims' families said the development was a "step in the right direction, and that new punishments indicated "this change is being taken seriously". "It gives families a moment of recognition and a form of reparation. It is a moment of reckoning for the convicted," they added. In January, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer promised to follow through on the legislation - initiated by the previous Conservative government -after meeting Cheryl Korbel. Her daughter, Olivia Pratt-Korbel, was shot dead in her home in August 2022, aged nine. Thomas Cashman, the gunman who killed Olivia, did not attend court to be jailed for 42 years. Anneliese Midgley, Ms Korbel's MP, said: "This law is down in no small part to my constituent Cheryl Korbel. I am so proud of her." "Sentencing is not just a legal formality; it is the culmination of justice. That's why it's so important that justice is not only done, but seen to be done." Justice Minister Alex Davies-Jones said: "I would like to thank the remarkable families of Olivia Pratt-Korbel, Jan Mustafa, Sabina Nessa and Zara Aleena and countless others who have campaigned tirelessly for offenders to have to face the reality of their crimes by attending their sentencing." "Justice isn't optional - we'll make sure criminals face their victims," she added.
Criminals who skip sentencing could face two more years in jail under new bill
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"New Bill Proposes Up to Two Additional Years for Criminals Who Skip Sentencing"
Bbc News
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TruthLens AI Summary
A new legislative proposal to be introduced to Parliament on Wednesday aims to impose stricter penalties on criminals who refuse to attend their sentencing hearings in England and Wales. Under the proposed bill, offenders who opt out of their sentencing could face an additional two years in prison. This initiative has garnered support from victims' families, who argue that it is crucial for perpetrators to confront the consequences of their actions. The families of high-profile murder victims, including Sabina Nessa, Zara Aleena, and Jan Mustafa, have been vocal advocates for this change, highlighting their own experiences where the killers of their loved ones did not attend their sentencing. The bill seeks to address the current inadequacies in the judicial system, where existing powers to compel attendance are not frequently utilized. The new measures, part of the Victims and Courts Bill, would apply to all cases in the Crown Court and could also affect those who are removed from court for disruptive behavior, ensuring that all offenders are held accountable during the sentencing process.
The introduction of this bill reflects a growing commitment to making the judicial process more inclusive for victims and their families. Justice Minister Alex Davies-Jones expressed gratitude to the families who have tirelessly campaigned for this legislation, emphasizing that justice must be visible and not optional. The bill is expected to move forward following its approval by Members of Parliament and the House of Lords. It builds on previous commitments made by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who pledged to follow through on this initiative after meeting with Cheryl Korbel, whose daughter was tragically killed in a shooting incident. The new law is seen as a significant step towards ensuring that sentencing is not merely a formality but a critical component of delivering justice, allowing families to achieve a sense of recognition and closure regarding the violent crimes committed against their loved ones.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article discusses a proposed bill in England and Wales that aims to impose additional penalties on criminals who refuse to attend their sentencing hearings. This legislative initiative is a response to calls from victims' families who argue that offenders should not be able to evade the consequences of their actions by skipping court proceedings.
Intent Behind the Publication
The primary goal of this news piece appears to be to inform the public about the government's efforts to ensure justice for victims and their families. By highlighting the emotional responses of those affected by violent crimes, the article seeks to create a narrative that supports the need for stricter laws. This aligns with the broader public sentiment that offenders should face accountability for their actions, potentially generating support for the bill.
Public Perception
This report likely aims to foster a sense of urgency and support among the public for tougher sentencing laws. By emphasizing the emotional pain of victims' families and the perceived injustices of offenders not attending their sentencing, the article taps into societal outrage regarding crime and punishment. The language used portrays a strong moral stance against allowing criminals to "opt out" of justice.
Potential Concealment of Information
While the article focuses on the positive implications of the proposed bill, it may downplay or overlook potential criticisms or concerns regarding the implementation of such laws. For instance, there could be questions about how these measures will be enforced, the legal implications for defendants, or whether this could lead to overcrowding in prisons.
Manipulative Elements
The article could be seen as somewhat manipulative as it leverages emotional appeals to garner support for the bill. By presenting the voices of victims' families prominently, it creates a compelling narrative that may overshadow counterarguments or concerns regarding the fairness of the judicial process for all parties involved.
Credibility of the News
The information presented appears credible as it references specific incidents, quotes from victims' families, and mentions the upcoming legislative process. However, the potential for bias exists, as the article primarily showcases the victims' perspectives without substantial counterpoints from legal experts or civil rights advocates.
Societal Impact
The proposed legislation could have significant implications for society, particularly in how justice is administered. If passed, it may contribute to a perception of a more punitive legal system, potentially affecting public trust in the justice process. Additionally, it could lead to increased prison populations and impact the resources available for rehabilitation programs.
Support from Specific Communities
The bill is likely to resonate with communities that prioritize victim rights and public safety. It is aimed at individuals who advocate for tougher crime laws and may attract support from conservative constituencies that view strict punishments as a deterrent to crime.
Economic and Market Considerations
While the direct impact on the stock market may be minimal, companies involved in the criminal justice system, such as private prison companies or security firms, could see fluctuations based on public sentiment towards law enforcement and crime policy. The bill could influence public funding allocation for justice-related sectors.
Geopolitical Relevance
This legislation does not have a significant global impact but reflects broader trends in criminal justice reform and societal attitudes toward crime. It aligns with ongoing discussions in various countries about how to balance punishment and rehabilitation.
Use of Artificial Intelligence
There is no direct indication that AI was employed in the creation of this article. However, AI might influence the style and structure of news articles in general. The emphasis on emotional narratives and victim perspectives could be a reflection of current journalistic trends that prioritize human-interest stories, potentially influenced by audience engagement data.
In conclusion, while the article serves to inform the public about a potentially significant legislative change, it primarily aims to evoke emotional responses and garner support for the bill. The focus on victims’ families and the call for accountability may overshadow other important aspects of the judicial process.