Kent expands virtual courts
Kent Police, one of the early adopters of the Live Links court video system, has increased coverage with a new suite in Swale that allows victims to give evidence over a video link without having to attend court.
It has been established at Sittingbourne police station where there are limited public transport links for Sheppey residents who have to travel to Canterbury or Medway magistrates courts.
The Live Link system set up in conjunction with the Ministry of Justice and Her Majesty Courts and Tribunals Service was piloted by Kent Police in 2011 is already being used in Ashford and Swanley.
Kent Police Deputy Chief Constable Paul Brandon said: Kent has the broadest coverage of Live Link victim suites in the country and we are very proud of that. The introduction of the Sittingbourne suite extends that coverage even further with the innovative use of technology offering a safe and secure environment for victims of crime. Vulnerable victims can find it very difficult to provide evidence in court proceedings and we know from experience that having the choice of using Live Link helps alleviate that.
Kent police and crime commissioner Ann Barnes added: Facing an offender across a courtroom can be an intimidating and traumatic experience. Im hoping that the new victim suite will spur more people on to come forward to give evidence. I firmly believe that victims should be at the heart of the criminal justice system and this new facility is a new piece of armour for them. Not only does the victim suite act as a safeguard, but it demonstrates my commitment to ensuring leading specialist victim services in the county.