organisation

Ministry of Justice

UK government department responsible for justice

World · New sanctions for offenders who skip sentencing hearings in England and Wales

Offenders in England and Wales who refuse to attend their sentencing hearings could face loss of prison privileges, cell confinement, and restricted visits under new rules granting judges wider sanctions, the Ministry of Justice has announced. The measures, to be laid before parliament on Thursday and coming into effect next year, aim to prevent criminals from avoiding accountability to victims and their families.