Menu
15/12/2004
Time in court slashed for witnesses - minister
A new computer network linking 101 Crown courts and criminal justice agencies is to be introduced nationally today.
The new network will allow for more police on the streets, making giving evidence in court much easier and updating police records much faster, Courts minister Christopher Leslie has said.
Unveiling XHIBIT at Snaresbrook Crown court in east London today, Mr Leslie said people could track court hearings via modern technology - online via the Internet, through a text message or a pager.
As a result, victims and witnesses will spend less time waiting to give evidence while it is estimated the technology will save some 80,000 police days every year, meaning less time for officers waiting in courtrooms for cases to progress.
Mr Leslie said: "Giving evidence in court can sometimes involve an unpredictable waiting time, but this XHIBIT technology now means witnesses, whether online or through their mobile phone, will be more in touch with the tracking of their case.
"We estimate that some 80,000 extra days of policing a year will be a huge benefit from this new technology. More police on the streets tackling crime and less time in court.”
"The national roll-out of XHIBIT is a clear example of courts using technology to improve the reality and perception of the criminal justice system.
"This all adds up to a better deal for victims and witnesses in the court process. It is a practical measure that will help make it easier for victims under great pressure."
The Police National Computer will receive information from Crown courts such as case results, bail orders, and bench warrants far quicker, allowing the police to enforce the orders and warrants much quicker as well.
The XHIBIT technology, a £20 million project between the Department for Constitutional Affairs and supplier EDS, has been piloted at Snaresbrook Crown court this year. It will now be introduced into Crown courts across England and Wales.
(MB)
The new network will allow for more police on the streets, making giving evidence in court much easier and updating police records much faster, Courts minister Christopher Leslie has said.
Unveiling XHIBIT at Snaresbrook Crown court in east London today, Mr Leslie said people could track court hearings via modern technology - online via the Internet, through a text message or a pager.
As a result, victims and witnesses will spend less time waiting to give evidence while it is estimated the technology will save some 80,000 police days every year, meaning less time for officers waiting in courtrooms for cases to progress.
Mr Leslie said: "Giving evidence in court can sometimes involve an unpredictable waiting time, but this XHIBIT technology now means witnesses, whether online or through their mobile phone, will be more in touch with the tracking of their case.
"We estimate that some 80,000 extra days of policing a year will be a huge benefit from this new technology. More police on the streets tackling crime and less time in court.”
"The national roll-out of XHIBIT is a clear example of courts using technology to improve the reality and perception of the criminal justice system.
"This all adds up to a better deal for victims and witnesses in the court process. It is a practical measure that will help make it easier for victims under great pressure."
The Police National Computer will receive information from Crown courts such as case results, bail orders, and bench warrants far quicker, allowing the police to enforce the orders and warrants much quicker as well.
The XHIBIT technology, a £20 million project between the Department for Constitutional Affairs and supplier EDS, has been piloted at Snaresbrook Crown court this year. It will now be introduced into Crown courts across England and Wales.
(MB)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
03 December 2009
Man Jailed For Managing Brothels
A 43-year-old man who managed brothels in Manchester has been jailed for 20 months. David Greenwood pleaded guilty to three charges connected to prostitution at Manchester Crown Court Crown Square.
Man Jailed For Managing Brothels
A 43-year-old man who managed brothels in Manchester has been jailed for 20 months. David Greenwood pleaded guilty to three charges connected to prostitution at Manchester Crown Court Crown Square.
20 August 2010
Mercy Killing 'Time Waster' Gosling Charged
BBC presenter Ray Gosling is to be charged with wasting police time over claims that he killed his terminally ill gay lover. Mr Gosling, 71, from Nottingham, is to be charged over claims made in an interview with Bill Turnbull on BBC Breakfast in February that he smothered the man, who was dying of Aids.
Mercy Killing 'Time Waster' Gosling Charged
BBC presenter Ray Gosling is to be charged with wasting police time over claims that he killed his terminally ill gay lover. Mr Gosling, 71, from Nottingham, is to be charged over claims made in an interview with Bill Turnbull on BBC Breakfast in February that he smothered the man, who was dying of Aids.
01 March 2013
Boiling Water Torturers Jailed
Two men who tortured and murdered a 70-year-old man have been jailed for a total of 54 years. 25-year-old Rocky Curtis and 24-year-old Robert Holmes, both of Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, attacked Sonny Grey, from Lincoln, in his home on 29 October 2011. Mr Grey died two days later. Curtis will serve a minimum of 28 years and Holmes a minimum of 26.
Boiling Water Torturers Jailed
Two men who tortured and murdered a 70-year-old man have been jailed for a total of 54 years. 25-year-old Rocky Curtis and 24-year-old Robert Holmes, both of Wisbech, Cambridgeshire, attacked Sonny Grey, from Lincoln, in his home on 29 October 2011. Mr Grey died two days later. Curtis will serve a minimum of 28 years and Holmes a minimum of 26.
09 August 2004
West Brom striker jailed over fatal car smash
West Bromwich Albion striker Lee Hughes has been sentenced to six years in prison after being found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving at Coventry Crown Court today. Hughes was found guilty of causing the death of Douglas Graham, a 56-year-old father of four in Meriden, West Midlands, on November 23 last year.
West Brom striker jailed over fatal car smash
West Bromwich Albion striker Lee Hughes has been sentenced to six years in prison after being found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving at Coventry Crown Court today. Hughes was found guilty of causing the death of Douglas Graham, a 56-year-old father of four in Meriden, West Midlands, on November 23 last year.
11 December 2014
Man Found Guilty Of 1993 Claire Tiltman Murder
A 46-year-old man has been found guilty of the 1993 murder of teenager Claire Tiltman. Ms Tiltman was found dead in an alleyway in Greenhithe. She had suffered multiple stab wounds.
Man Found Guilty Of 1993 Claire Tiltman Murder
A 46-year-old man has been found guilty of the 1993 murder of teenager Claire Tiltman. Ms Tiltman was found dead in an alleyway in Greenhithe. She had suffered multiple stab wounds.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
