Flexible courts to speed up court cases

11 Oct 2012 02:38 PM

Dozens of flexible court pilots that will speed up cases and help modernise criminal justice services have been unveiled by Justice Minister Damian Green.

The Minister made the announcement during a visit to Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan Magistrates' court.

Flexible courts will include:

• Courts to sit outside traditional working hours and on weekends
• Increased use of video-link technology including prison to court links where suspects can appear in court from prison and from police stations to the court for first hearings
• 48 pilots to go live in coming weeks across England and Wales

Justice Minister Damian Green said:

'We want the justice system to respond further and more effectively to the needs of victims, witnesses and the local community.  I am extremely pleased that thousands more people up and down the country will benefit from flexible courts in their communities.  
“This is one part of our drive to create a swifter, surer and more flexible justice system for all.'

Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan Magistrates' court is operating extended hours and uses video-links so suspects can appear in court from the prison where they are held.  It held its first Sunday court pilot on 7 October.

There will be 48 Flexible CJS pilots across England and Wales.