30 August 2023 , 21:50
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The trial of Thomas Cashman drew attention to a glaring loophole in the law.
The killer of Olivia Pratt-Korbel exercised his right to hide in his cell rather than appear in court for sentencing. No murderer should be allowed to show such utter disrespect to those whose lives they have already ruined.
That was why the Mirror launched the Face Justice campaign to demand that anyone found guilty of a serious crime should be compelled to appear in court for sentencing. The case for a change in the law was underlined when Lucy Letby also chose to cower in her cell rather than listen to the harrowing statements from the families of her victims.
After meeting with Olivia’s mother, Cheryl Korbel, Rishi Sunak has now promised to bring in legislation that will allow judges to order criminals to attend hearings. But encouraging words from the PM are not enough. He must now set out a clear timetable for when this new law will be enacted.
Stay on the line
For many people their landline phone is their lifeline. Under plans by BT this service will soon be replaced by a broadband-only connection.
Out of touch Rishi Sunak doesn't regularly read papers or online news sites
There may be good reasons for this mass changeover but it is essential that it does not result in households being disconnected. BT needs to give more reassurance to customers, including a large number of the over-65s who do not use mobile phones or computers, that the great switchover will not become the great switch-off.
Let it out, guys
Simon Cowell has opened up about his mental health in a new podcast with Mirrorman Tom Bryant. In Thursday’s Mirror, Ricky Hatton also speaks candidly about having suicidal thoughts.
It cannot have been easy for these two successful men to share their experiences. But by doing so they could encourage more men to talk abut their mental wellbeing.