Criminals like Lucy Letby to be forced to attend sentencing

Judges could be given the power to order an offender to attend their sentencing hearing, including by force if necessary, under planned legislation announced by the Ministry of Justice.

Lucy Letby refused to attend her sentencing for the murder of seven babies and attempted murder of six more whilst working as a nurse at the Countess of Chester hospital neonatal unit.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called it "unacceptable" that some criminals have refused to face their victims, with the government promising legislation to force serious offenders to attend their sentencing.

The reforms will give custody officers the power to use "reasonable force" to ensure those awaiting sentencing appear in the dock or by video link.

Court artist drawing by Elizabeth Cook of Judge Mr Justice Goss addressing the dock containing two dock offices beside empty seats during the sentencing of nurse Lucy Letby at Manchester Crown Court after she was found guilty of the murders of seven babies and the attempted murders of six others at the Countess of Chester Hospital. Photo credit: Elizabeth Cook/PA Wire.

Those convicted could also face an extra two years in jail if they ignore a judge’s order and continue to refuse to attend court, with such penalties applying in cases where the maximum sentence is life imprisonment.

Other high profile cases have also prompted the government to commit to changing the law, with the killers of Olivia Pratt-Korbel, Zara Aleena and Sabina Nessa all refusing to stand in the dock.

No exact date has been given - but the Prime Minister has said the new law would be brought in when Parliament resumes in autumn.

Mr Sunak said: "t is unacceptable that some of the country’s most horrendous criminals have refused to face their victims in court. They cannot and should not be allowed to take the coward’s way out.

"That’s why we are giving judges the power to order vile offenders to attend their sentencing hearings, with those who refuse facing being forced into the dock or spending longer behind bars."

However, Labour have criticised the Conservatives, saying they have "dragged their feet" on the issue, accusing ministers of promising the reform on four separate occasions over the last 18 months.

Power to compel criminals to attend sentencing hearings are already part of the law, as are existing guidelines which permit the use of reasonable force, however instances in which these are used are uncommon.

It is thought that the ability to increase sentences by two years in legislation will encourage judges to exercise these powers, together with the use of force by prison officers becoming enshrined in law.

Justice Secretary Alex Chalk has previously hit out at "cowardly criminals" who "insult" victims by refusing to appear.

He said: "Our reforms will give judges the power to order offenders to come to court to hear the impact of their crimes directly from victims, so that they begin their sentences with society’s condemnation ringing in their ears."