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.
READ MORE: Criminals serving city's longest sentences as Thomas Cashman jailed for 42 years
Mr Rabb said: “Spineless criminals like Cashman who hide from their sentencing prolong the suffering of victims and their families. As I have already made clear, I plan to change the law to compel offenders to face up to their actions, so victims can see the justice they deserve being served.”
Mr Raab committed to change the law, possibly by giving judges the power to impose longer terms on those who refuse to appear, after the killer of Zara Aleena refused to attend his sentencing in December. The family of the murdered law graduate held talks with Mr Raab in the wake of Jordan McSweeney’s sentencing and pushed for the change to prevent others suffering as they had.
McSweeney, who murdered 35-year-old Zara as she walked home in Ilford, east London, on June 26 last year, was jailed for life with a minimum term of 38 years last December. Zara's aunt Farah Naz described McSweeney refusing to attend his sentencing as a “further slap in the face” and “another attack from him”.
She also said the family had “anticipated the moment” they would be able to look at McSweeney and give their victim impact statement, adding that it felt like an “incomplete process” after he refused to turn up. She added that she felt “really sad” for Olivia’s family that they were not able to see the man who “destroyed their lives” being sentenced.
Labour’s shadow justice secretary, Steve Reed, said: “It is disrespectful and grossly offensive to victims that criminals can refuse to face the consequences of their crimes in court. For victims and their families, this can be a vital part of seeing justice done.
“Labour called for new laws on this back in April last year – but the Conservatives have dragged their feet and failed to act.”
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