Olivia's Law approved: criminals must attend sentencing hearings after Royal Assent

Olivia's Butterfly Foundation thanked supporters and said Olivia's Law will ensure that victims and their families are listened to and that the justice system prioritizes their needs.

Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary David Lammy stated that the bill changes the justice system to better support victims and bereaved families, marking a shift toward listening to victims and delivering swifter justice.

Cheryl Korbel and members of Olivia's family issued statements praising the law, noting that it ensures victims and their families have a voice in court and that Olivia's memory will drive justice for years to come.

The Victims and Courts Bill received Royal Assent, enacting Olivia's Law. The measure gives court staff powers to use reasonable force to ensure attendance at sentencing hearings and, if defendants refuse, can lead to added time to their sentences and removal of privileges such as visiting rights. It also includes protections for children by restricting the exercise of parental responsibility for offenders convicted of serious child sexual abuse or where a rape has resulted in the birth of a child, and provides victims longer to challenge sentences.

During the Lords hearing earlier in April, Baroness Leavitt KC, the parliamentary under-secretary of state in the Ministry of Justice, spoke in support of the bill, saying it brings the Victims and Courts Bill closer to becoming law and reiterating its aims to support victims and deliver swifter, fairer justice.