Overview

• Judges in England and Wales will be empowered to add up to two years to sentences of offenders who refuse to attend their sentencing hearings.
• New measures allow prison staff to use reasonable force to compel offenders to appear in court or via video link.
• The legislation includes sanctions like cell confinement and removal of privileges for offenders already serving lengthy or whole life sentences.
• The Bill extends protections for victims, restricting parental rights of child sex offenders and strengthening oversight by the Victims’ Commissioner.
• Families of high-profile victims, including Olivia Pratt-Korbel and Zara Aleena, have welcomed the reforms as a step toward ensuring justice is visibly served.