The deputy Prime Minister has promised to act on "spineless" criminals after Thomas Cashman dodged his sentencing hearing.
Justice Secretary Dominic Raab has said the law will be changed to prevent criminals like Cashman from refusing to attend sentencing and "prolonging the suffering of victims and their families". It came after Cashman refused to face Olivia Pratt-Korbel's as he was jailed for life for her murder.
Cashman is beginning a life sentence and must spend at least 42 years behind bars before being considered for parole after shooting the nine-year-old schoolgirl in her home on August 22 last year. Justice Secretary Mr Raab is under pressure to act to ensure killers cannot avoid appearing in court.