Lucy Letby, the deadliest child killer in modern British history, did not show up in court this morning for her punishment.
The nurse, who murdered seven newborns and attempted to kill six more between 2015 and 2016, while working at the neonatal ward of the Countess of Chester Hospital, is anticipated to receive a life sentence at Manchester Crown Court, according to Metro.
Today's prosecutor, Nicholas Johnson KC, began his statements by stating unequivocally that the defendant "has refused to come into court."
"Even in these final days of the trial she has tried to control things, the disrespect she has shown the families and the court show what kind of person she is," said the mother of Child E, who died, and Child F, who survived.
They also said that they have regularly attended court, but when Letty decides she's had enough and stays in her cell, committing one last horrible deed as a coward."
In recent days, there has been much speculation about whether Letby, 33, would actually show up before Judge Mr. Justice Goss to hear her sentence.
When fresh findings were issued the next day, Letby told her legal team she did want to come to court, including for the sentencing. She had been present in the dock when the jury read out their initial verdicts.
The judge has not yet made public the explanations for her absence.
The sentencing hearing will undoubtedly take place whether she is present or not, the judge declared after all the judgments had been announced.
According to the judge, there is nothing he can do about that since the court lacks the authority to order a defendant to appear at a sentencing hearing.
The Government Working on the Legislation to Prevent No-Shows in Court
Justice Secretary Alex Chalk stated earlier this year that the government is 'committed' to amending the legislation to require offenders to show up to their sentencing sessions.
Late on Sunday, a government source suggested that, as a last resort, "lawful enforcement" would be utilized to make sure Letby shows up in court today.
When the killer of nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel, Thomas Cashman, neglected to attend court to learn he had been sentenced to life in prison, calls for action grew stronger earlier this year.
The killers of Zara Aleena and Sabina Nessa also skipped their sentence hearings the previous year.
Farah Naz, Zara Aleena's aunt, expressed concern to Times Radio this morning that if criminals are not convinced to show up in court, their failure to do so "will continue as a trend."
Related article: Lucy Letby Case: British 'Monster' Nurse Kills 7 Babies at Neonatal Facility, Prompts Review Care of 4,000 Infants
