UK Killers Who Refuse to Face Victims’ Families Could Get Longer in Jail

Sabina Nessa's sister Jebina Yasmin Islam at a vigil in memory of the primary school teacher at Pegler Square in Kidbrooke, south London, on Sept. 24, 2021. Jonathan Brady/PA

Murderers and other criminals in England and Wales who refuse to appear in court for sentencing could be given longer jail terms under plans unveiled by the government.

Earlier this month a judge criticised Donald Robertson for not having the “courage” to attend any of his trial for the 1987 murder of Shani Warren, and in April Koci Selamaj was lambasted by the family of Sabina Nessa—who he murdered in a park in Kidbrooke, south London, in September 2021—after he refused to leave his cell at Belmarsh Prison to attend his sentencing at the Old Bailey.