Virtual Courts
The Kent Criminal Justice Board is currently piloting a 'Virtual Court' scheme in the north of the county.
The Virtual Courts scheme involves defendants having their first hearing heard at Medway Magistrates’ Court, via secure video link from North Kent police station, within hours of being charged and, if a defendant pleads guilty, could see sentencing handed down on the same day.
The pilot scheme is optional and defendants have the right to request attendance at a courtroom if they prefer.
A prototype study in London demonstrated that both custody and bail first hearings could take place in a single day with an average time of three and a half hours.
Click here for a leaflet about the Virtual Court scheme.
Below is a video about the Virtual Courts scheme:
Download [WMV Format (.wmv) - 33MB]