Killers and rapists will no longer be able to stop victims or relatives from attending parole hearings

KILLERS and rapists will no longer have the power to stop victims or bereaved relatives attending their parole hearings.

It follows an outcry over cases including Jamie Bulger’s killer Jon Venables and paedo Gary Glitter.

2

The government is set to approve a change of rules to allow automatic entry to private parole appeals.

This will ensure whinging criminals have to face the wrath of victims or families.

Currently, those directly affected can only attend if a chair of the parole panel agrees.

Under rule changes, which have been tested in the south west in a pilot project, they will automatically be allowed to attend.

They can then read out a Victim Impact Statement – or have a court official read it out.

In February, a victim of Glitter was barred from reading a victim statement.

And last year Jamie Bulger’s parents were unable to attend a ­hearing.

Currently, those directly affected can attend only if the parole panel agrees.

Before 2022, all hearings were private.

The Ministry of Justice said: “This Government believes victims should at the heart of the justice system.”