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*