Olivia's Law Receives Royal Assent and Becomes UK Legislation
A new UK law requiring criminals to attend sentencing hearings has received Royal Assent. The measure, named after slain schoolgirl Olivia Pratt-Korbel, allows court staff to use reasonable force and impose penalties for non-attendance. It stems from a campaign led by the victim's mother following the killer's refusal to appear in court.
news.sky.comA law mandating that convicted criminals attend their sentencing hearings has been granted Royal Assent and is now in effect in the UK. The legislation, known as Olivia's Law, was inspired by the 2022 killing of nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel in her Liverpool home. She was shot when Thomas Cashman fired through the front door while pursuing a rival.
Pratt-Korbel died in Dovecot, Liverpool, in August 2022 during a botched attack by Cashman on a drug dealer. Cashman later refused to leave his cell to hear his sentencing and the family's impact statements. Cheryl Korbel, Olivia's mother, campaigned for the law after this refusal. The measure forms part of the Victims and Courts Bill.
Under the new rules, court staff can use reasonable force to ensure attendance at sentencing hearings. Refusal may result in additional prison time or loss of privileges, such as visiting rights. Royal Assent marks the final stage for a bill to become law after passing through UK parliament.
Leavitt KC, parliamentary under-secretary of state in the Ministry of Justice, stated during a Lords hearing earlier this month that the bill fulfills commitments to support victims and improve justice system confidence.
“It's been a pleasure to bring the Victims and Courts Bill through this house, which is now another step closer to becoming law. This bill will deliver on our manifesto commitment to support and protect victims, restore confidence in our justice system and implement swifter and fairer justice.”
Olivia's Butterfly Foundation, established in her memory, expressed gratitude to supporters. The charity stated on Facebook that the law ensures families receive justice and closure, prioritizing victims over criminals' desires.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
3 events- Today
Olivia's Law received Royal Assent and became official UK legislation.
1 sourcebbc.co.uk - Earlier this month
Baroness Leavitt KC spoke in the Lords about the Victims and Courts Bill advancing toward law.
1 sourcebbc.co.uk - August 2022
Nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel was shot dead in her Liverpool home by Thomas Cashman.
1 sourcebbc.co.uk
Potential Impact
- 01
More victims' families may experience closure through direct confrontation at sentencings.
- 02
Court staff could face increased responsibilities in enforcing attendance with reasonable force.
- 03
Convicted criminals might receive longer sentences for non-attendance.
- 04
The law may restore public confidence in the UK justice system.
Transparency Panel
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