MINISTERS have been accused of dragging their feet over laws forcing criminals such as Lucy Letby to attend court to hear their punishment.
The killer nurse has threatened not to return to the dock and attend her sentencing hearing tomorrow or to follow proceedings from prison.
Offenders will be required to attend court under laws to be proposed in the King’s Speech in November.
Shadow Justice Secretary Steve Reed last night said it was “grossly offensive” for murderers to refuse to acknowledge the consequences of their crimes.
He said: “If the defendant doesn’t come and face justice it’s beyond cowardly and will have a devastating impact on the families.