A new video link to court that lets people give evidence from a neutral, safe environment opened today.
The new Alder Lodge Video links will mean that some of the most vulnerable witnesses and victims will be able to give their evidence and be cross examined without having to enter a courtroom or court building.
The facility, in the East of the County in Burton, will help to reduce the anxiety, trauma and stress many people experience when going to court.
The new remote video link has been made possible through funding from Staffordshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Matthew Ellis. “I have been working with the courts and support services to address the distress which victims face when giving evidence. This new facility is another step towards ensuring that victims and witnesses are truly at the heart of the criminal justice system’.
On opening the facility Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Arnold said ‘Victims have already made a brave step in coming forward so it’s crucial that the criminal justice system supports them, not cause them more distress. This new video link will be a lifeline to vulnerable people who understandably don’t want to face the ordeal of a courtroom, in a way that makes them feel secure.”
Also at the opening of the new facility were the Mayor of the Borough of East Staffordshire, Councillor Simon Gaskin, the Lord-Lieutenant, Mr Ian Dudson and the High Sheriff of the County, Humphrey Scottt-Moncrieff.
This remote video link is one of a number of special measures available to vulnerable witnesses the include the option of giving their evidence from behind a screen, via video link from a different part of the court or now via remote video link not within the court building.
Users of the facility will be met at Alder Lodge by an usher from the Crown Court who will sit with them in the room whilst they give evidence. The live link will enable barristers across the country to cross exam the witness and jurors will be able to clearly see the witness on a screen.
A separate area has been created within the remote video link suite for family and carers who accompany witnesses.
The project has been developed through successful partnerships developed between the office of the police and crime commissioner, Staffordshire Police, Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service and the Crown Prosecution Service.
