Rethink looms as solicitors condemn 'stupid' new justice system
Pressure is growing on the Ministry of Justice to scrap controversial changes to court hearings, described by solicitors as a system “in tatters”.
Solicitors, police and magistrates have criticised the changes, which mean all remand hearings for the region have moved to Kidderminster Magistrates Court.
Now legal experts say a u-turn must happen following a series of problems that have thrown the new system into chaos.
Today new problems were revealed following changes that mean any defendant in custody must be taken to Kidderminster rather than appear in Telford.
John MacMillan of Wright McMillan Bennett Solicitors in Telford condemned the “stupidity” of the new system after revealing one case he was dealing with ended up being repeatedly transferred between the two towns.
It was also revealed today that one female defendant was locked up for five days because she could not be dealt with by magistrates under the new rules and there was a delay in transferring her to the alternative court.
Solicitors say thousands of pounds of taxpayers’ money is being wasted in delays to cases that lead to defendants being locked in cells unnecessarily. Travel expenses for legal staff have increased and hours are wasted moving between courts, delaying justice.
The Ministry of Justice had previously insisted the new arrangements, introduced in April, were working well. But the outcry has been so widespread that it is understood action may be taken after a review.
Mr MacMillan said: “The stupid system is in tatters. It is falling apart and it is obvious to everyone it is falling apart. We hope common sense will prevail.
“There was going to be a review of the policy and we think that may take place this month.”
Police have criticised the changes, suggesting officers have been left to ‘babysit’ offenders, with one force source claiming that officers have had to take time to drive legal papers to Kidderminster from Shropshire.
Under the changes, anyone remanded in custody or who hands themselves in on a warrant or breach of bail, must have their case heard in Kidderminster rather than Telford.
Because there is only one van that takes prisoners to Kidderminster for the hearings, people who surrender after about 7.30am are held in a cell until the next day.
The region’s police and crime commissioner has described the changes as having a “negative impact” on police time and resources.
The situation was illustrated by a note placed on the door of Worcester Police Station, which is also affected by the changes, advising people of the best time to hand themselves in.
Shakeel Ahmed from Clarke’s Solicitors in Telford said the system is wasting time and money.
He said: “The Ministry of Justice is saying it is seeking to achieve efficiencies. What I cannot understand is how efficiencies are being achieved when it is duplicating work.”
A HMCTS spokesman confirmed a meeting will take place, adding: “It’s always been our intention to review the changes. We continue to work with court users and other partners to resolve any concerns raised.”
