Live video links ‘help to speed up justice’

Nick Herbert and Jonathan Djanogly, both Ministers in Ken Clarke’s Ministry of Justice, were shown a demonstration of virtual courts technology at a pilot in Kent.

Virtual courts allow a defendant, charged in a police station, to have their first hearing held over secure video link from the magistrates’ court. The system means this can happen within hours of being charged. If the defendant pleads guilty, the court can often sentence on the same day.

The same equipment allows police witnesses to give evidence in court via the police station, an initiative known as “Live Links”. The MoJ said it was freeing up time for officers to carry out frontline duties rather than travelling to and from court.

Mr Herbert said: “Live Links are a key factor in making the Criminal Justice System in England and Wales more efficient – to enable justice agencies to work together to reduce waste and bureaucracy and provide a more integrated service.

“Live Links frees up valuable police time and resources to carry out their frontline duties and ensure crimes are dealt with more quickly and effectively. This is important not only for the local police force but for victims and witnesses.”

Mr Djanogly said: “The expansion of virtual courts clearly demonstrates the Government’s commitment to working with local police and the courts to ensure speedy and effective justice.

“Not only do they enable the quick resolution of cases they also save time as defendants do not need to be transferred between prison and the court.”

A pilot of virtual courts was launched in Camberwell Green, London, and Medway, Kent, in May 2009.