Issue - meetings

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It was moved by Councillor Corcoran, seconded by Councillor Harvey and unanimously

RESOLVED:

Reform of the Criminal Justice System: Supporting the ‘Face the Family’ campaign

Council notes that currently offenders can choose not to appear in court for sentencing, including hearing victim impact statements. This can add to families and victims’ suffering, as they are deprived the opportunity of presenting victim impact statements with offenders present. This was highlighted recently when Thomas Cashman refused to appear in court after being found guilty of the murder of nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel.

Council further notes the ‘Face the Family’ campaign, coordinated by Radio City, which is calling for a change to the law to insist offenders come into court for sentencing, or face possible additional penalty. Local MPs, our PCC, and others are asking for the government to introduce a new law to make offenders be present in court. This could be done by including it in the Victim and Witnesses Bill currently going through Parliament. This includes a current online petition.

Council supports the call for this change in the law to make our criminal justice system more supportive of victims and states its support of the ‘Face the Family’ campaign.

Council therefore calls on the Leader and Chief Executive to write to the Justice Minister setting out the terms of this motion, stating our support for the campaign and urge him to bring forward legislation as soon as possible.