Worcester Court goes online

Worcester Combined Court has taken a leap into the 21st Century following the installation of new computer equipment today. As part of the LINK project, aimed to improve confidence in the criminal justice system, the £600,000 government investment means that judges and staff at the court can use email and word processing facilities as well as the internet. The IT systems will save time and money by enabling prison video links and video conferences and this will also ensure that vulnerable witnesses can be better protected. Courts Minister, Christopher Leslie said: “Computers will give judges access to the internet, which will assist judicial research and help deliver consistent judgements because information will be available at the touch of a button.” “Court staff will also benefit from the new technology, providing them with the tools to do their jobs effectively.” Worcester Combined Court joins the Royal Courts of Justice and six other courts across the country, who have already gone online. Resident Judge at Worcester, His Honour Judge Mott said: “The new technology should enable court users to communicate with each other more easily and effectively.”