UK judges to gain powers to punish offenders who skip sentencing

England and Wales will grant judges new powers to strip privileges or confine offenders to cells if they refuse to attend sentencing hearings.

• New rules laid before parliament Thursday allow judges to impose cell confinement of up to 21 days and loss of social visits for up to 27 days on offenders who refuse to attend sentencing.
• Prisons minister Catherine McKinnell said criminals should not be able to pick and choose when they face justice and must face the consequences.
• Prison Reform Trust CEO Pia Sinha called for evidence that sanctions increase attendance and warned the measures will punish prisoners' relatives who have committed no offence.
• Victims' commissioner Claire Waxman said the powers must be used consistently by courts and prisons so families receive the justice and accountability they deserve.