4th January 2012

’Virtual court’ technology could see motorists caught over the drink–drive limit this winter lose their licence after just an hour–and–a–half of being charged, it has been revealed.

As part of the police’s yearly crackdown on drink and drug–driving around Christmas time, senior officers warned of the potential for swift justice. And the effects of such an infringement won’t just be felt this festive period; drivers who lose their licence through drink or drugs will also face inflated car insurance premiums for years to come.

Motorists caught breaking the rules in the South East are the first to be warned about such speedy punishment, after Kent Police said magistrates will have access to video links – with those found guilty potentially losing their license on the same day as being charged.

Deputy Chief Constable Alan Pughsley said: ’Usually, motorists will be charged with drink–driving and be bailed to appear before the court some weeks later.

This means until a guilty verdict is reached, they are free to drive. The use of the virtual court system means that the defendant risks losing their licence on the day of charge.’

And it’s not the first time drivers in the South East have been subject to such conditions, as 17 people went up before magistrates in Kent via the video link–up last year. Kent Police has been using the virtual courts since August 2009, with Medway and Folkestone magistrates’ courts already connected, and Canterbury set to be at a later date. Kent Police says more than 100 hours of police time has been saved from the 1,400 people who were processed using this system.

The court still houses the judge, bench, court officer, prosecutors and probation during the virtual trial, however the defendant can be located at a police station. Their defence lawyer can be at either location.

A Ministry of Justice spokesman said: ’Virtual court technology ensures speedy and effective justice which is why it was extended last month to other locations in Kent and Cheshire.

Further courts are due to go live in these areas alongside London and Hertfordshire early next year.

The courts are part of a wider policy to digitalise, streamline and make the criminal justice system more efficient.

By spring 2012, the entire criminal justice system is required to go digital.

Not only do virtual courts enable the quick resolution of cases for victims and witnesses but they also save time as defendants do not need to be transferred between prison and the court.’

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