Witnesses in criminal trials can now give full evidence over video as justice ministers roll out pre-filmed testimony scheme

The process of filming witnesses' testimonies and cross-examinations - so they can be aired before juries - goes live today (Monday).

It means extremely vulnerable people such as children, victims of sexual offences and witnesses in gang-related crimes will be able to give full evidence free from the intimidation of having to face defendants in the dock.

The process is being rolled out immediately across selected crown courts in Yorkshire, namely York, Doncaster and Teesside Crown Court.

Recording takes places as soon as possible after a crime has occurred in order to ensure their account is as accurate as possible.

It follows a successful pilot of the process at Leeds Crown Court, as well as Liverpool and Kingston-upon-Thames courts.

These pilot attempts reportedly showed the witness was considerably less stressed when giving evidence and being cross-examined without the eyes of a judge, jury, defendant and members of the public and press.

A nationwide roll-out of the scheme is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Justice Minister, Alex Chalk MP, said: “The court process can be extremely traumatic for vulnerable victims and is vital we minimise the stress on them where possible.

“This technology ensures they are protected and able to give their best possible evidence, without reducing a defendant’s right to a fair trial.

“This is just one part of our efforts to boost the support for victims at every stage of the justice system.”

Victims’ Commissioner, Dame Vera Baird, said: “I am very keen to see this service available nationwide and fully support its roll-out to all crown courts by the end of 2020.

"We’ve already seen, in the areas where it has been working for a while, that children and vulnerable adults who have been able to record their evidence in advance of a trial have experienced reduced anxiety as a result and we know that this measure can support earlier recovery from what are often traumatic events for them.

"It’s so important that we’re able to provide practical support for the most vulnerable users of our criminal justice system.

"The increased availability of this special measure in more crown courts will give help to more vulnerable victims and witnesses, when they need it most.”

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