Putting the summary back into summary justice

Ulster Unionist MLA for North Down and Policing Board member Leslie Cree has advocated the introduction of a pilot to consider the effectiveness of virtual courts in Northern Ireland. Recent experiences in England have shown how virtual courts can put the 'summary back into summary justice'.

In support of a pilot, Mr. Cree said, "I believe that such a scheme would have real benefits in terms of reducing the financial burden of the criminal justice system in addition to making the delivery of justice more time-efficient.

"The delivery of justice too often has an adverse effect on victims who can be easily overlooked throughout the justice process. Speedy justice has a real and practical benefit for victims instead of the situation where a case is dragged out for weeks and months by the criminal justice system. The virtual court scheme can see cases being dealt with in four or five hours.

"Electronic papers can be accessed by each of the individual agencies - the police, the courts and the prosecution service - evidence of a joined-up approach. This sort of co-ordination has resulted in significant time efficiencies. There are also benefits for custody officers who have offenders in their custody for fewer hours.

"If people have to wait weeks and months before they feel any sort of consequence as a result of their actions, the punishment will not impact as deeply. Swift justice is the best way to deter potential criminals."