PEOPLE charged with a crime could be dealt with and sentenced on the same day without leaving the police station following the introduction of a virtual court.
From August, defendants could have their cases heard at a magistrates’ court via a video link from Lewisham or Plumstead police stations within hours of being charged.
The hope is that if a defendant pleads guilty, they could be sentenced the same day therefore speeding up the handling of cases.
A limited pilot has already been run at Camberwell Magistrates’ Court in 2007.
But this year nine other London police stations including Lewisham, Plumstead, Bromley and Brixton will now put forward defendants to be heard via video link.
Justice Secretary Jack Straw said: “Cases will be resolved more quickly, improving the service given to victims, witnesses and defendants, and justice will be faster and more efficient, without any loss of quality.”
HOW IT WILL WORK:
- The defendant will be online at the police station, with the magistrates or district judge, and other officials based at court.
- The defendant’s solicitor can be at the police station or court.
- A defendant can opt to appear at court in person rather than by video link.
- The public will be able to see the defendant on a screen within the court.
- If the magistrates decide the video link is unsuitable for a particular case they can change it to a standard court hearing.
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