11 Mar
Question
Defendants Absconding before Trial

The debate centered on the critical issue of defendants absconding before their trial, highlighted by Robbie Moore MP. The exchange brought focus to the responsibilities and frameworks in judicial processes that are relevant to preventing such occurrences, particularly in severe cases of child exploitation.

Sir Nicholas Dakin responded by detailing the judiciary's prerogatives in determining bail conditions. He underscored that current measures allow courts to apply stringent conditions such as electronic monitoring and curfews to mitigate the risk of absconding. These responses were indicative of the government's stance on maintaining a robust legal framework to ensure justice is served.

Two convicts absconded and are believed to be abroad, in cases occurring in Keighley.

Highlighted by Moore as a critical failure in ensuring justice for serious crimes in his constituency.

Robbie Moore raised concerns specific to his constituency, referencing a case involving convicted child rapists who managed to flee justice. Moore's inquiry solicited a more rigorous approach in dealing with dual or foreign nationals in such cases, demanding stricter bail conditions to prevent international escape.

Legislative measures in the Crime and Policing Bill focus on grooming as an aggravating factor.

As presented by Sir Nicholas Dakin, indicating ongoing improvements to address serious offences involving children.

Sir Nicholas Dakin acknowledged the historic nature of the mentioned case, affirming its trial was concluded under a previous administration. However, he pointed to current government initiatives, emphasizing legislative action via the Crime and Policing Bill to aggravate penalties for child sexual offences involving grooming. This showcased ongoing efforts to tighten the legal net against such heinous crimes.

Outcome

The discussion led to a reinforcement of current policies concerning bail conditions, characterizing the government's commitment to an effective judiciary process without direct changes announced. Emphasis was placed on accountability and enhancements in the justice system through legislative means.

Key Contributions

Robbie MooreMP
Conservative

Queried the government's actions to prevent defendants from absconding before trial.

Sir Nicholas DakinMP
Labour

Clarified that decisions concerning bail or remand are made by the judiciary, considering the risk of absconding.

Original Transcript
Robbie Moore
Keighley and Ilkley
Con
Question
UIN: 903110

3. What steps she is taking through the criminal justice system to help prevent defendants absconding before their trial.

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice
Sir Nicholas Dakin
11:30

The decision to remand or bail an individual is solely a matter for the independent judiciary. Courts are required to considered the likelihood of absconding as part of that decision.

The courts have the power to impose a broad range of robust bail conditions in the bail package, including electronic monitoring, exclusion zones and curfews. This Government are committed to ensuring that criminals face justice and victims have peace of mind and closure.

Sir Nicholas Dakin

I understand that the case to which the hon. Gentleman refers took place under the last Government, and the men he referred to were tried in absentia.

The Home Secretary set out the steps that the Government are taking to tackle the terrible crimes of child sexual exploitation and abuse, including group-based child sexual exploitation.

Through the Crime and Policing Bill, we are legislating to make grooming an aggravating factor in the sentencing of child sexual offences, to ensure that it is properly reflected in the sentencing of perpetrators.

All content derived from official parliamentary records