“Cowardly” criminals who try to evade the final moment of justice are to be forced to attend their sentencing hearings, the Government has announced.
And they will face even longer behind bars if they refuse to appear.
In the wake of a number of recent highly-publicised examples of criminals failing to appear in the dock for their final sentencing, including former neonatal nurse and serial killer Lucy Letby, who was convicted for murdering seven babies and attempting to kill six more between 2015 and 2016, and gunman Thomas Cashman, who killed nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel in Liverpool back in August 2022, the Government has this week announced reforms that will create new powers for judges.
These reforms will now grant judges the power to order an offender to attend their hearings, and make it clear in law that force can be used to make sure this happens.
The power of custody officers to use “reasonable force” to make criminals appear in the dock or via video link will also be enshrined in law, the Government has confirmed.
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Criminals could be ordered to court to attend their sentencing under new powers for judges.
These reforms will mean that the worst offenders will be required in court to face justice and to hear the impact of their crimes.
This means “every effort” will be made for victims and their families to “see justice delivered”.
Not only that, but the Government has also revealed that if a criminal continues to resist to order to attend their final sentencing despite a judge’s order – specifically in cases where the maximum sentence is life imprisonment – they will even face an extra two years behind bars.
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The change will mean victims can “look offenders in the eye” and tell them of the “devastating consequences of their crime” as they read out their impact statement, rather than addressing an empty dock, the Government says.
“It is unacceptable that some of the country’s most horrendous criminals have refused to face their victims in court,” Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said as the reforms were announced.
And if these criminals refuse, they will spend longer behind bars.
It's unacceptable that some of the country’s most horrendous criminals can decide whether to face their victims – so we're changing the law to reflect that. pic.twitter.com/tTWsPBB2fp
“They cannot and should not be allowed to take the coward’s way out.
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“That’s why we are giving judges the power to order vile offenders to attend their sentencing hearings, with those who refuse facing being forced into the dock or spending longer behind bars.”
The Government says judges will have the discretion to assess the situation around the case and those it involves, and use these new powers “as they see fit” so that they can “ensure justice is done” in the correct way.
Legislation to introduce these changes will be “set out in due course”, the Government concluded.
Featured Image – Cheshire Constabulary | Merseyside Police
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The BRIT Awards to return to Manchester in 2027 with ceremony date confirmed
Emily Sergeant
It’s official – the BRIT Awards are returning to Manchester in 2027, and the ceremony date has now been confirmed.
Well, technically we already knew they would be, as it was announced last year that for the first time in its illustrious 48-year history, British music’s most prestigious awards show would be leaving London and heading up to the capital of the North, as ITV confirmed the BRITs would be staged in Manchester for the next two years.
After nearly five decades in London, The BRIT Awards were hosted in Manchester at Co-op Live earlier this year, and (in our opinion) proved to everyone why it’s the best city on Earth.
The 2026 BRITs delivered its biggest audience ever worldwide and was said to have had a record-breaking reach on socials too, cementing the show’s status as a global stage for showcasing talent.
So it’s only natural that the iconic celebration of UK music would be back for more.
Continuing on with this ‘bold new chapter’ for the legendary event, it has been confirmed that the show will take place on Saturday 27 February, airing on ITV1 and ITVX in a prime-time weekend slot that will see fans all over the UK and the world come together to celebrate the biggest artists and most exciting music of the year.
2027 is also a big year for the BRITs too, as next year’s ceremony is celebrating 50 years since the very first awards were televised.
“This year’s BRIT Awards in Manchester were a huge success, with a global reach and massive local impact, and we’re excited and ready to help make 2027 the biggest year yet for The BRITs,” commented Cllr Bev Craig, the Leader of Manchester City Council, ahead of next year’s ceremony.
The BRIT Awards will be returning to Manchester in 2027 / Credit: The Manc Group
“The impact of the awards was felt across the city region, from the cash benefit for our economy, showcasing small local music venues, incredible opportunities for our up-and-coming young musicians and creatives, and engagement with Greater Manchester schools.
“We’ll be creating even more ways for local people and for visitors to get involved in next year’s awards, which look set to be another incredible celebration of music and our city.”
The BRIT Awards 2027 will take place on Saturday 27 February, and further announcements will be made in the coming months.
Keep your eyes peeled, Manchester.
Featured Image – BRITs
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Police issue statement after triple stabbing at Manchester high school
Emily Sergeant
A formal update and police statement has now been issued following a stabbing at a high school in Manchester earlier this morning.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said officers were called to reports of a stabbing at a school on Plant Hill Road in Blackley – confirmed to be Co-op Academy Manchester – earlier this morning (Tuesday 9 June 2026), and when they arrived on the scene, they discovered that two students and a teacher had been injured.
Staff were quick to detain a girl to ensure no further harm came to pupils or staff, before police arrived shortly afterwards.
A 14-year-old girl was arrested on suspicion of section 18 assault, and remains in custody for questioning.
At this time, officers are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident and have stated that there is no wider threat to the public.
The police have issued a statement after a triple stabbing at a Manchester high school / Credit: GMP
As mentioned, three people were injured during the incident – a 14-year-old schoolgirl, a 14-year-old schoolboy, and a 27-year-old male member of staff. All were taken to hospital, however thankfully, their injuries are not believed to be serious, and they are stable at this time.
Giving a statement following the shocking incident earlier this morning, Chief Inspector Jon Shilvock said: “We understand that this incident will have cause concern to pupils, staff and the wider school community.
“The incident was swiftly and quickly dealt with by staff before officers attended to arrest the girl. There is believed to be no wider threat at this time, and we thank everyone for their support as emergency services dealt with this.
Emily Sergeant -
31st August 2023 
