OFFENDERS SHOULD “COME OUT AND FACE THE FAMILY”
At the moment, if you’re convicted of a crime you do not have to leave your cell and attend court to hear the victim’s impact statement.
This was brought to attention recently after Zara Aleena was sexually assaulted and killed by Jordan McSweeney in east London, in summer 2022. He refused to attend his sentencing and hear Zara’s family's victim statement, something they described as “a slap in the face”.
Claire has been working with her family and said the “impact on the families” is “huge” when the offender doesn’t attend.
LONGER SENTENCES FOR CONVICTS WHO DON'T TURN UP
Claire has also been working with Sabina Nessa's family, who was 28-years-old when she was murdered on her way to meet a friend. Her killer, Koci Selamaj also refused to appear in court and hear her family's statements.
Claire said she has “pushed the government to get this response and Dominic Raab, a senior member of government is now looking at whether judges should be able to impose longer terms on those who refuse to appear. Something Claire has called for and also backed.
We’ll be following how this develops and if it is included in new legislation.
Follow us on Twitter for updates.