The new system enables prosecution and defence barristers to
submit information to the Crown Court for plea and directions
hearings that can take place on the secure web site. The scheme
only applies to defendants who want their cases adjourned.
Defendants due to have their cases concluded will still have to
appear in court.
Plea and directions hearings are preliminary hearings at the
Crown Court before a case goes to trial. The defendant has the
opportunity to plead guilty or not guilty. If the defendant pleads
guilty, the judge may pass sentence or adjourn for the Probation
Service to prepare a pre-sentence report.
According to the Criminal Justice web site, these hearings take
up the equivalent of three full days per week at the Manchester
court, with the daily cost of the use of a courtroom being £10,000
- £12,000.
The pilot scheme began last month and will be assessed in March
2003.
