The Victims’ Commissioner, Claire Waxman, commended the relentless efforts of families who campaigned for justice, as a new law was enacted today. The families of Sabina Nessa, Zara Aleena, Jan Mustafa, and Olivia Pratt-Korbel, 9, who tragically lost their lives, were acknowledged for their advocacy. These families faced the heartbreak of their loved ones’ killers failing to appear at sentencing, prompting them to push for recognition of their pain through campaigning.
The Victims and Courts Bill, now in effect after receiving Royal Assent, mandates that criminals who evade justice may receive up to two additional years in prison or an unlimited fine. Furthermore, disruptive offenders at sentencing, like Axel Rudakubana, may face penalties such as solitary confinement or restricted access to facilities.
This law marks a significant victory for bereaved families and media outlets like The Mirror, which spearheaded the Face Justice campaign advocating for legislative changes. One of the advocates for reform, Cheryl Korbel, mother of Olivia Pratt-Korbel, called for ‘Olivia’s Law’ after her daughter’s killer refused to attend the sentencing. Other grieving relatives, including Farah Naz, Ayse Hussein, and Jebina Yasmin Islam, also pushed for justice reform following the tragic deaths of their loved ones.
Claire Waxman emphasized that the new law reflects years of dedicated campaigning by victims and families. She highlighted the courage and determination of those who turned their grief into advocacy to ensure that offenders’ actions were acknowledged. The Commissioner stressed the importance of offenders attending sentencing hearings, providing victims and families with a crucial opportunity for closure and accountability.
In conclusion, the reform is a testament to the unwavering commitment of victims and bereaved families who refused to be silenced and instead fought for change with resilience and integrity to shape legislation.
