The UK Ministry of Justice announced plans on 22 October 2026 to give Crown Court judges powers to impose prison sanctions on offenders who refuse to attend sentencing hearings. Under rules laid before Parliament, judges could remove privileges for up to 84 days, impose cellular confinement for up to 21 days, or restrict social visits to once every four weeks for up to 84 days. For offenders aged 18 to 20 in Young Offender Institutions, the limits would be 21 days without privileges or 10 days of cellular confinement. Visits from prisoners' children would be exempt.

Prisons Minister Catherine McKinnell said refusing to attend sentencing insults victims and their families. The government said existing law already allows a fine or up to two years' additional imprisonment for contempt of court, but that this offers little deterrent to murderers already facing decades in prison.

The measures, which also cover offenders removed from court for disruptive behaviour, are due to take effect next year after parliamentary process. Victims' Commissioner Claire Waxman said consistent use by courts and prisons would be essential.