Of course it would be preferable if those convicted were in court to face the judge (Raab urged to fast-track plans to force criminals to attend sentencing, 4 April). But if they choose not to, are they to be dragged in, kicking and screaming? Or trussed up? Or pilloried? Or, if they are sentenced to life and a long minimum term, are they to quake at the threat of a few months more? This populist nonsense needs to stop. It’s a call for theatre, not justice. Public hangings at Tyburn weren’t a very effective deterrent.
Paul Collins
Retired district judge, Horton-cum-Studley, Oxfordshire
The trouble is, if your sentence is life imprisonment, you aren’t going to worry too much about a longer sentence, are you?
Michael Fuller
Harpenden, Hertfordshire
