Murderers could be compelled to appear in court for sentencing to avoid cases like a Great Yarmouth man who was jailed in his absence. 

Sean Palmer, of South Market Road, was one of three people given life sentences after being found guilty of murdering Joe Pooley, 22, who was attacked and drowned in the River Gipping in Ipswich.

Eastern Daily Press: Joe Pooley, 22, was killed after being set upon and drowned in the River Gipping in Ipswich in 2018Joe Pooley, 22, was killed after being set upon and drowned in the River Gipping in Ipswich in 2018 (Image: Suffolk Constabulary)

He was jailed for a minimum term of 18 years after the court heard he had held the head Mr Pooley, who had Asperger's and autism, under the water.

But Palmer refused to attend the sentencing hearing at Ipswich Crown Court in May 2021.

Now the Ministry of Justice is examining changing the law to ensure defendants can no longer “hide” from hearings.

Justice Secretary Dominic Raab said he was also considering granting judges the power to impose longer terms on those who refuse to appear.

Eastern Daily Press: Justice Secretary Dominic RaabJustice Secretary Dominic Raab (Image: PA)

It comes after Mr Raab met the family of Zara Aleena, who was murdered in East London walking back from a night out, but whose killer was legally allowed to not attend his sentencing.

“Defendants who hide from justice can prolong the suffering of victims,” said Mr Raab.

“That is why we are looking carefully at changing the law to compel offenders to attend their sentencing – making sure they face up to their actions and victims can see justice being served.”

Ipswich Crown Court had been told Palmer had left court before his sentencing because he had a medical appointment he was anxious not to miss.

Eastern Daily Press: Sebastian Smith (right) was also sentenced in absence meaning only Becki West-Davidson (left) was present at the hearing Sebastian Smith (right) was also sentenced in absence meaning only Becki West-Davidson (left) was present at the hearing (Image: Suffolk Constabulary)

His co-accused Sebastian Smith, who must serve at least 21 years, was also absent from the hearing.

It meant Mr Pooley’s family only saw the third defendant, Becki West-Davidson, who was jailed for a minimum of 17 years, sentenced in person. 

Mr Raab said that making convicts appear was “the very least the victims deserve” and a “basic principle of British justice”.