MPs flunked law to force defendants to appear at sentencing

SOUTHPORT monster Axel Rudakubana was able to hide in his cell at his sentencing after a botched bid to change the law before the election ended in failure.

- By Michael Knowles Home Affairs Editor

The Tories, under Rishi Sunak, wanted to give judges the power to compel murderers to face their punishment in the dock.

But the Criminal Justice Bill, which contained the measure, did not pass through Parliament before July's poll because more and more clauses were added.

A source close to the Bill told the Daily Express: "It was a Christmas tree Bill. It became a vehicle for taking action on whatever the latest headline was, and ultimately we didn't get to do any of it because of that."