Cases will be heard at Medway Magistrates' Courts in evenings and weekends

by Lynn Cox

Criminals could soon find themselves in court during the evenings and at weekends as flexible hours are being introduced at Medway Magistrates' Court.

Virtual court hearings are already held at the court during its usual weekday opening hours and sessions are also held on Saturday mornings.

However, those who find themselves in trouble with the law could now be brought before the bench during evenings and even on Sundays, criminal justice minister and Ashford MP Damian Green announced today.

The flexible courts initiative will be piloted at the court in Chatham from November 11.

The magistrates' court has been using the video-link system for several years, so suspects can appear in court from the prison or police station where they are being held.

Earlier this year, the Ministry of Justice began to work in areas across England and Wales to test if a more flexible criminal justice system would be able to respond to the needs of the public, and particularly victims and witnesses.

This included courts sitting outside traditional hours during the week, sitting at weekends and increasing the use of the virtual-link technology.

In total, 48 courts across the country are due to go live with longer hours.

Mr 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."