Sentencing was adjourned because Richards refused to leave his cell. He refused to do so again today when he was jailed for life.
Judge Jeremy Richardson KC told Sheffield Crown Court: 'I regard the refusal of the defendant to attend court to be an act of cowardice. His arrogance is also demonstrated by this conduct.
'It is plain the defendant is replete with habitual violence. It is deeply ingrained. He is, in my judgment, an exceptionally volatile and dangerous man.
'I have my doubts whether it will ever be safe to release him.'
So, why not have him dragged before the court, as you can do?
He added that he was 'not prepared to endanger the lives of prison officers to secure his attendance' by exercising the powers available to him.
*sighs*
Any refusal to leave their cell to attend sentencing should add another 5 years to the sentence, to be carried out consecutively to the current sentence, and when ALL of it, not just the half of it after 50% has been knocked off for 'good behaviour' as soon as the prison van goes through the gates, has been served.
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Only 5? You're too soft...
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