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<p>The information requested is not held centrally. However, our data shows that from
January 2021 to June 2023, 182 cases in the Crown Court were sentenced in absence
of the defendant where the defendant was remanded in custody. However, the data does
not provide the reason for non-attendance and therefore includes non-attendance due
to reasons other than refusal, such as transportation issues or legitimate illness.</p><p>We
are introducing legislation to compel offenders to attend their sentencing hearings
to meet the growing public concern relating to offenders who have committed the most
serious of offences, including Koci Selamaj, Thomas Cashman and Lucy Letby, who refuse
to face up to their crimes and hear how they have impacted the victims and their families.</p><p>An
offender’s refusal to attend their hearing can cause anger and upset for victims and
their families - offenders should attend court to face the consequences of their crimes.</p><p>The
legislation makes it clear in law that a court can order the production of any offender
in the Crown Court to attend their sentencing hearing and that reasonable force can
be used to secure their attendance where necessary and proportionate.</p><p>In addition,
we want courts to have the powers to punish offenders convicted of the most serious
offences who do not attend their sentencing hearing without good reason, to ensure
that they face up to their crimes and hear how they have impacted the victims and
their families. This measure will capture offences such as murder, manslaughter, rape
and robbery.</p>
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