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This petition was submitted during the 2019 to 2024 Parliament

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Closed Create powers to increase sentences where a defendant refuses to attend court

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Where a defendant is in custody but refuses to attend court, we want the courts to be given powers to increase any sentence applied.

By refusing to attend court defendants are refusing to face the consequences of their actions. We believe this is an insult to the court and victims.

If a defendant refuses to attend court then judges should have the power to add a penalty term for non-appearance of up to 5 years dependant on the offence.

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  • Petition closed

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    If this petition gets 10,000 signatures, government will respond to it.

    If this petition gets 100,000 signatures, it will be considered for debate in Parliament.

    This petition will stay open until 5 October 2023.