'Virtual courts' unpopular with solicitors

A government scheme to allow defendants to face magistrates via video link from a police station is being boycotted by solicitors.

Solicitors in Kent are refusing to take part in the initiative, claiming that it is unfair on both defendants and lawyers.

Ministers hoped the scheme, which is being piloted across 15 police stations in south east London, would save time and money. They say that the ‘virtual courts’ could save £10m a year if introduced throughout England and Wales.

But solicitor Robin Murray accused the system of forcing Lawyers to choose between being in court to defend their client or being with them at the police station. He also said it depersonalised the process and leaves the defendant isolated.

The Law Society has also argued that virtual courts could put solicitors' safety at risk.

Police in south east London have welcomed the scheme.