by Jo Earle

"New technology can revolutionise criminal justice".

That is from Justice minister Nick Herbert, who has been in Kent today reviewing the use of virtual court technology.

The live video web camera lets defendants make their first appearances in front of magistrates from a police station.

The system means this can happen within hours of being charged. If the defendant pleads guilty, the court can often sentence on the same day.

The same technology is used to allow police witnesses to give evidence in court via the police station.

The Ministry of Justice says this allows officers to use the time they would otherwise spend waiting around and travelling to and from court to carry out frontline duties.

However it's been met with criticism - with some solicitors branding it an expensive gimmick.

A study by the Ministry of Justice found each case is £247 more expensive than the traditional court process, and it's already cost £2 million to set up.

Mr Herbert said during the visit to the north Kent police station near Ebbsfleet: "Of course we need to save money, we need to speed up cases. We want to make sure the police are doing the job they need to do and not waste time.

"Live links free up police time and resources to carry out their frontline duties and ensure crimes are dealt with quickly and effectively.

"The expansion of video technology in Kent demonstrates the Government's commitment to working with local police and ensure effective speedy justice.

Mr Herbert added: "As this is rolled out the cost per case will go down. This technology will get cheaper. The savings of transporting prisoners and police time is massive."

A pilot of virtual courts was launched in Medway in May 2009. So far, more than 1,400 people have appeared via virtual justice in the Kent courts.

The entire court system is due to go digital by the spring of 2012, with secure and electronic transfer of files between police, prosecutors and courts becoming standard practice.