'Cowardly' Lucy Letby 'must attend court for sentencing'

The former neonatal nurse, who was found guilty of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder six others, is not expected to appear in court for Monday's hearing. Labour's shadow justice secretary Steve Reed said it is "grossly offensive to victims that this brutal murderer can refuse to face the consequences of their crimes in court”.

This has led to renewed calls for a change in the law to force criminals to face justice in person. Mr Reed accused ministers of having “dragged their feet” as they have failed to give a timeline for when the law will change.A jury at Manchester Crown Court found Letby guilty of seven counts of murder and six counts of attempted murder on Friday. Letby was also found not guilty of two further counts of attempted murder.

The former neonatal nurse has said through her solicitors she won’t be in court for sentencing on Monday. In June, secretary of state for justice, Alex Chalk told the Commons he was committed to bringing forward legislation to compel offenders to be in court for their sentencing hearing. The change in law is expected to happen before a general election, which is expected later next year.

Source: Law Daily Report (lawdailyreport.net)

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