Criminals face extra sanctions for refusal to attend sentencing

Criminals who refuse to attend their sentencing face segregation in prison cells and longer time in jail under new powers handed to judges.

- Rajeev Syal

Tougher sanctions across England and Wales will include confinement to cells and less time in the gym among measures to be introduced to Parliament today.

The development comes after recently convicted criminals in high-profile cases have refused to attend sentencing hearings and victim impact statements.

The measures will be introduced in the government's victims and courts bill, which also extends the eligibility to all cases in the crown court. This means that all offenders who attempt to evade sentencing hearings could be subject to the sanctions as well as up to two more years behind bars.

Offenders who have been ordered to attend by a judge but whose disruptive and disrespectful behaviour results in their removal from the courtroom will also be punishable by the same sanctions.