BL-2021-002235 - [2025] EWHC 2367 (Ch)

I then went on to consider the question whether it was appropriate for me to proceed directly to sentencing when the respondent was not present. Again, leading counsel for the applicant in the contempt application addressed me on this. Once more, I gave an extempore judgment, holding that I would continue to sentence. Leading counsel then addressed me on the question of sentence. In order to make sure that I had appreciated all the points which could be made on behalf of the respondent, I reserved my decision.