Mum of University of Hull student Libby Squire welcomes new sentencing guidelines
Government proposals aim to prevent criminals from refusing to appear in court for sentencing.
The mother of the murdered University of Hull student Libby Squire has welcomed new Government proposals aiming to prevent criminals from refusing to appear in court for sentencing.
Libby was killed on a night out in the city.
New legislation would allow judges to order offenders to attend hearings, including by force if necessary, and get an extra two years in jail if they refuse.
Mum Lisa spoke to us about the announcement.
I think it was fairly obvious that this was not OK.
She told us: "It is a shame that it's taken this long."
"On the other hand it's taken two high profile cases to actually wake people up."
"Sadly I think if it had just been Olivia's case we would have had a bit more of a battle but with Lucy Letby's case coming so quickly afterwards I think it was fairly obvious that this was not OK."
"Throughout the trial you are not in control of anything that is said about your loved one and you can't say anything apart from when you read that victim impact statement."
By speaking it showed him that he had no control over me
"That's very powerful for the families."
"I felt that by speaking directly to him it showed him that he had no control over me, he had no power over me."
"Whether they actually care about what they say is one thing but knowing that you've said it is very empowering."
"If the families have put the effort in to go into court every day and fight for justice the offender should also be there."