Life-sentenced rapists and murderers will be banned from marriage in prison

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Life-sentenced prisoners are to be barred from marrying, under new legislation.

Under the Victims Bill from the Justice Secretary — due to be unveiled in the next fortnight — rapists and murderers serving life sentences could be barred from marrying.

In a letter to Cabinet colleagues leaked to < em>The Sun, Mr Raab said: "I consider there is a very real risk that marriage in such cases will undermine public and victim confidence in the criminal justice system. .

Serial killer Levi Bellfield's request to marry in prison is 'inconceivable' unless serious health issues safeguards are resolved, said Justice Secretary Dominic Raab (Metropolitan Police/PA)

(PA Media)

“Even where there is no risk e of direct physical harm, there is a significant risk of coercive or controlling behavior.

"I have seen how Bellfield seeking cau marriage has caused distress and trauma to his victims.

The launch of the bill had been delayed for several months for fear of legal challenges under Article 12 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which enshrines the right to marry .

However, Downing Street is confident it would win a legal battle, with the attorney general backing the legislation.

About 60 prisoners asked to be married last year.

A Justice Department source told The Sun: "Victims rightly do not want to see their attackers marry behind bars and we aim to put an end to it."< /p>

Tory MP Brendan Clarke-Smith backed the bill, telling The Sun: "Rapes and murderers who are locked up for life should not be allowed to prey on vulnerable members of the public, who may be wedded to the wedding.”

Meanwhile, Labor Shadow Justice Secretary Steve Reed criticized the Conservatives for not enacting a bill sooner.

He said: “Labour has been calling for a Victims Bill for over eight years, but the Tories have been dragging their feet and did nothing. During this period, we have had seven justice secretaries.

"A victims' bill worthy of the name must make my...