Victims will be at heart of system...

Law boss will force criminals into dock

- SOPHIE HUSKISSON

COWARDLY attackers who refuse to leave their cells to hear their sentence will be forced to attend by tough new laws.

Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood has promised to restore "faith that justice will be delivered".

And she has vowed to put "victims at the heart of the system" by ensuring criminals who have destroyed their lives face justice.

The Mirror has been urging a change in the law since a string of killers refused to listen in court to the impact of their offences.