HM COURT SERVICE News
Release (Loughborough) issued by COI News Distribution Service. 4
November 2008
A new, modern
magistrates' court in Loughborough was today officially
opened by the Right Honourable Lord Justice Leveson, Senior
Presiding Judge for England and Wales.
The five-courtroom court will provide its users with
state-of-the-art facilities. Vulnerable witnesses will benefit
from secure waiting areas and video links allowing them to give
evidence without having to appear in a courtroom. It will also be
a Specialist Domestic Violence Court with trained and dedicated
criminal justice staff who have expertise in dealing with domestic
violence cases, including specially trained magistrates.
The court has been designed to be easily accessible to all users
and has an induction loop system for all courtrooms and the public
counter. It also has large, airy and light public waiting areas
and extensive conference and interview facilities for advocates
and their clients, as well as a dedicated room for solicitors to
work privately and quietly.
Bridget Prentice, Courts Minister, said:
"Loughborough Magistrates' Court is a court fit for the
21st century. It demonstrates our commitment to providing a first
class justice system with local justice being delivered
effectively in a safe and secure environment for all court users.
I am delighted it has just been accredited as a Specialist
Domestic Violence Court. Victims of domestic violence in the
Loughborough area will now be able to feel far more confident in
attending court to give evidence."
Opening the court, Lord Justice Leveson said:
"I am delighted to be able to open the new purpose-built
Magistrates' Court in Loughborough. It is essential that we
develop court facilities is such a way that assists the efficient
dispatch of the work of the court and addresses the needs of the
victims, witnesses, those accused of crime and other court users
and staff. I believe that this building meets these criteria admirably."
The Court also has dedicated rooms for a number of agencies who
regularly attend court, such as the Crown Prosecution Service, the
Witness Service, the Children and Family Court Advisory and
Support Service, the Criminal Justice Drugs Team and the Youth
Offending Service. There are two contemplation rooms at each end
of the building which are available to court users.
NOTES
1. Her Majesty's Courts Service is an executive agency of
the Ministry of Justice. Our remit is to deliver justice
effectively and efficiently to the public. We are responsible for
managing the magistrates' courts, the Crown Court, county
courts, the High Court and Court of Appeal in England and Wales.
2. Loughborough Magistrates' Court started to hear cases on
12 March 2008 and is based at 60 Pinfold Gate, Loughborough,
Leicestershire, LE11 1AZ.
3. Local builder William Davis (the developers), in liaison with
Willmott Dixon (builders) and SGP (architects), were responsible
for the new building. JYM Partnership advised to HMCS.
4. For more information on Domestic Violence Courts see Ministry
of Justice Press Release: http://www.justice.gov.uk/news/newsrelease201008b.htm
Contact: Mark Kram
HMCS Chief Press Office
Phone number:
020 3334 6697
http://www.hmcourts-service.gov.uk