No 10 has confirmed it will assess how killers can make their victims' families suffer in court after cowardly Axel Rudakubana refused in a final 'twisted act'.
A spokesman for the Prime Minister said the government was “clarifying the law” to end the practice, but added it would be for the courts to decide on a case-by-case basis.
It follows Keir Starmer earlier this week telling the mother of nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel, who was shot dead in her home in August 2022, he was planning to bring in the new power.
Ms Korbel had previously met former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who also promised a review but had been unable to follow through when the Conservatives lost power.
Yesterday, Southport Child Killer Rudakubana shouted 'I'm sick' at the top of his voice as he tried to avoid being in court for the brutal murders of three young girls.
Asked whether the Prime Minister had given any thought to the disruptive behavior of the violent Rudakubana, a No 10 spokesman said: 'Killers who refuse to look grieving families in the eye as judges hand down their sentences are cowardly.
“It is a twisted act of further tormenting victims.
“We are clarifying the law to end this. However, the presence is not always appropriate.

Axel Rudakubana disrupted court proceedings several times during his sentencing – repeatedly claiming to the judge that he was too unwell

A court sketch of Axel Rudakubana depicting the moment he started complaining to the judge that he felt unwell. He has since been jailed for at least 52 years for murdering three children and attempting to kill eight others, as well as two adults

Cheryl Korbel has campaigned for criminals to attend their hearings after Cashman refused to show face (pictured with Sir Keir Starmer in August 2023)
'For example, when the presence deliberately disrupts the proceedings or shows offensive behavior.
“It is for the court, which will always have the discretion to make whatever decisions are in the best interests of justice and the victims.”
Rudakubana, 18, had inflicted numerous knife wounds on his victims – as well as eight other children and two adults who survived.
He was branded a 'coward' by their families when he was taken from the dock and dramatically complained of chest pains.
The 18-year-old twice tried to avoid being convicted for the July 29 murders of Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Nine-year-old Alice da Silva Aguiar.
After being removed for the second time, Rudakubana refused to re-enter the court. Lawyers acting for the triple murderer explained: 'The defendant does not wish to re-enter the room and if forced he will be disruptive.'
Rudakubana was sentenced to life in prison for a minimum of 52 years with Lord Justice Goose saying he would probably never be released.
His refusal to attend court placed him in the company of murderers such as Lucy Letby, Thomas Cashman and Jordan McSweeney.

His refusal to behave during his hearing puts him in the same category of unapologetic criminals as Lucy Letby – who refused to leave her cell for sentencing
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Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, was one of three children killed in the knife attack in Southport

Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, was one of three little girls killed in the attack in Southport
They, and several others in recent years, have refused to appear in court to hear their sentences after being sentenced.
Their outrage has prompted a change to the law to ensure criminals who commit the most serious crimes are seen to make justice.
After meeting with Cheryl Korbel to discuss the issue this week, Sir Keir said his government would 'act on this at the first opportunity'.
Starmer had previously met the grieving mother as Leader of the Opposition, telling her: “It's really important to meet today because we met 17 months ago and I said two things: we will support the previous government on this, and if we are on Power, we will make sure this happens.
“That's the promise I made to you and it's a promise I'm going to keep, and that's why this coming legislation is so important.
“We put this in the first king's speech, so we will legislate this into law and we should have it before the summer.”
But Ms Korbel later suggested to ITV News that she was not yet hopeful the change to the law would be made, despite her meeting with the Prime Minister.
“I'm not getting my hopes up too high now, because we've already been brought down once,” she told the broadcaster.

Olivia Pratt-Korbel was shot in the chest by Thomas Cashman while chasing a drug dealer

Gunman Thomas Cashman also refused to leave his prison cell after being convicted of killing nine-year-old Olivia Pratt-Korbel
In September 2022, the Crown Prosecution Service published guidance on dealing with defendants' refusals to attend court.
For trials in crown courts – for the most serious offenses – it recommends that trials only proceed if the suspect has 'waived the right to attend' and that it will be fair despite their absence, ideally with a lawyer who will have them in represents instead.
For sentencing, current guidelines require state courts to proceed only as long as the defendant has a legal representative or has previously been incarcerated.
Before being brought to face the judge, Rudakubana had been taken straight from prison to hospital after reportedly needing unspecified 'medical attention', a report denied by police.
But the teenage children's killer continued to cause a scene, seemingly in an attempt to prevent them from being vindicated.
Dressed in a gray prison tracksuit and a blue face mask, he shouted: 'I feel sick. I need to speak to a paramedic, I feel sick. You're not supporting me, judge. I feel sick. '
Mr Justice Goose told the teenager: 'Shouting from the dock will not make this happen any faster. If you stay quiet, you might see someone. '
After the 18-year-old responded: “I'm not going to stay quiet, I'm in pain,” Mr Justice Goose said back: “You chose this moment to say this. These procedures are carried out under my control, Mr. Rudakubana – do you understand? Not yours. '
Mr Justice Goose ordered the killer out of court. A family member shouted “Coward” at him as he was led away.
He refused to remain silent upon his return, shouting again: 'I feel really sick, I need to be seen by a paramedic.'
The judge then remanded him for a second time, after which the court heard the teenager had been seen by paramedics and certified 'fit' to attend his sentencing.
Lawyers for the killer said he refused to return to court and would be “disruptive” if forced to do so.
Courtroom aside, the twisted teen ultimately received 13 life sentences.