Defendants on Remand Sentencing Hearings 2022-05-24
2022-05-24
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Defendants who are not present at their sentencing can cause public anger and upset for victims and their families. There is a need to address this issue.
What plans does the government have to give Crown Court judges the power to require defendants held on remand to attend sentencing hearings in person? It is important for public confidence that justice is seen to be done when serious crimes are committed, and defendants hiding in their cells should face consequences. Could giving judges the power to increase custodial sentences in such circumstances be considered?
The courts can already require defendants held on remand to attend their sentence hearing, but they cannot force them to do so. In cases where a defendant's absence causes distress for victims and families, the government is actively considering what measures could be taken, including making it a statutory aggravating factor if a defendant refuses to appear.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific plans or timelines were not provided.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Defendants hiding in their cells during sentencing can cause distress for victims and families. The issue has been raised by the government.
It is important that justice is seen to be done when serious crimes are committed, and defendants hiding in their cells should face consequences. Could giving judges the power to increase custodial sentences in such circumstances be considered?
Justice being seen to be done is a key principle. While we agree that a defendant should face their crime, there are circumstances where forcing attendance might cause distress to victims and families. We are looking at options such as making it a statutory aggravating factor if a defendant refuses to attend.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific plans or timelines were not provided.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Cases where defendants do not appear in court during sentencing have caused further hurt to victims' families. Labour has been calling for action.
When Sabina Nessa's killer did not turn up to court, his actions caused additional distress to her family. Similarly, the hit-and-run driver who stayed in his cell missed hearing victim impact statements from Anisha Vidal-Garner's family. Given Labour has been calling for such measures, why is it taking so long for progress on this issue?
These matters are primarily of judicial responsibility. We ensure that measures we take can work in practice and strike the right balance. The recent Act ensuring serious offenders serve longer sentences was passed, which Labour voted against. This highlights their lack of trust on law and order issues.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address why it is taking so long for progress on compelling criminals to attend court during sentencing.
Attacked The Opposition Party'S Record
Response accuracy