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'Olivia's Law' gets final Royal Assent approval

'Olivia's Law' gets final Royal Assent approval

Summary

A new UK law called "Olivia's Law" was approved to make sure criminals attend their sentencing hearings. The law was created after Olivia Pratt-Korbel, a 9-year-old girl, was killed and her killer refused to attend his sentencing.

Key Facts

  • Olivia Pratt-Korbel was shot dead in her home in Liverpool in August 2022.
  • Her killer, Thomas Cashman, tried to shoot a rival and fired through Olivia's front door.
  • Cashman refused to leave his prison cell to attend his sentencing hearing.
  • "Olivia's Law" forces criminals to be physically present at their sentencing hearings.
  • Court staff can use reasonable force to make criminals attend.
  • If criminals still refuse, they can receive extra prison time and lose privileges like visits.
  • The law is part of the Victims and Courts Bill and has received Royal Assent, making it official.
  • Olivia's Butterfly Foundation, set up in her memory, supports the new law to help victims' families.
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