In People v. Sanders, 131 Ill. 2d 58, 63, 136 Ill. Dec. 102, 544 N.E.2d 788 (1989), the supreme court concluded that the defendant was responsible for the 4 1/2-year delay between his conviction and sentencing. Although the defendant knew of his various hearing dates, he failed to appear or notify the court of his location. The defendant also requested several continuances that delayed sentencing. Sanders, 131 Ill. 2d at 63-64. The court held that defendant's failure to request a sentencing hearing is merely a factor to consider when determining whether a delay in sentencing is unreasonable. See Sanders, 131 Ill. 2d at 63-64.