Should officers be allowed to use reasonable force to bring offenders to court for sentencing?
Under the Victims and Courts Act 2026, Crown Court judges can order adult offenders to attend sentencing, and prison or custody officers may use reasonable force, if necessary and proportionate, to deliver them to court. The attendance power, section 1 of the Act, has not yet been brought into force. Refusing an order is contempt of court, punishable by up to two further years in prison. On 22 October 2026 ministers announced extra prison sanctions, due next year, after refusals by offenders such as Lucy Letby and Thomas Cashman.
1 Opinion
Why limit to reasonable force? A taste of unreasonable force would be a good way to start what should be unpleasant punishment for offenders.