UK Prime Minister Sunak Proposes New Law: Criminals Ordered to Face Justice or Face Consequences
The British Prime Minister has proposed new legislation giving judges the power to compel criminals to attend their sentencing hearings, even by force if necessary, aiming to ensure justice is fully delivered. The government has also banned zombie-style knives and machetes as part of its crime week.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has proposed new legislation giving judges the power to order criminals to attend their sentencing hearings and face justice, even by force if necessary. This announcement comes as part of a government-led "crime week" aimed at ensuring justice is fully delivered. The new law will give custody officers the authority to use reasonable force to compel criminals to appear in court or via video link, ensuring victims and their families can directly confront the offenders. Criminals who continue to resist attending their sentencing despite a judge's order could face an additional two years behind bars.
Criminals shouldn't be allowed to take the coward’s way out by refusing to face their victims in court.
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) August 30, 2023
I stand with Cheryl Korbel in her campaign to make vile offenders like her daughter’s killer hear their sentences.
Today, we’re changing the law to make that happen 🧵 pic.twitter.com/MrgQAxJZUF
The change aims to prevent high-profile cases like that of nurse Lucy Letby, who was sentenced in absentia after being convicted of killing seven babies. The reform will primarily apply to serious sexual or violent crimes where the maximum sentence is life imprisonment. Judges will have the discretion to use these new powers in appropriate circumstances, considering the potential disruption to victims and their families. In addition to this proposed law, the government's crime week has also seen the ban of "zombie-style knives and machetes."
These weapons, which serve no practical purpose and are designed to intimidate and threaten, will now be illegal. Importation, manufacturing, possession, and sale of these weapons will carry a maximum penalty of two years, and the maximum penalty for sales to under-18s will also be increased. The UK Home Office will also introduce a new offense for possession of bladed articles with the intention to endanger life or cause fear of violence. The government plans to table these measures in the UK Parliament when its summer recess ends next week. Overall, these new laws and measures aim to ensure that criminals are held accountable for their actions and that victims can have their voices heard in court.