Killers who refuse to face their victims' families at sentencing could be confined to their cells for three weeks
Axel Rudakubana, who received a 52-year minimum term in his absence after being removed from his sentencing hearing for shouting, is among the killers the new powers are designed to punish.
Judges in England and Wales are to gain powers to strip privileges for up to 84 days and ban social visits for 27 days. Prisons minister Catherine McKinnell said dodging the dock is 'an insult to victims and their families'. The rules go before Parliament on Thursday and take effect next year. Southport killer Axel Rudakubana, Kyle Clifford and Thomas Cashman all stayed in their cells.
Even the harshest sanctions are time-limited, with the maximum set at 12 weeks.
Children of inmates will be shielded from the visiting bans.
Prison Reform Trust chief Pia Sinha warned relatives 'have committed no offence themselves'.
