Preston's senior judge says work will go on to bring criminals to justice

Judge Mark Brown, described it as a "most challenging time" for judges and court staff, but said the maintenance of the rule of law and public protection depends upon the criminal justice system continuing to function.

Around four courtrooms a day have continued to operate at Preston Crown Court's Ringway building since the national lockdown began on March 23, in a bid to maintain the principles of 'open justice' - the notion that justice must be seen to be done.

Judge Brown said: " Remote hearings have been introduced so that the risk to the public is reduced.

" A lot of court work has been conducted and many defendants in custody have been sentenced for serious offences.

"In the coming weeks more defendants will be required to attend the building in person and it is expected even more cases will be concluded.

"The building itself has been thoroughly inspected and there is in place a comprehensive system to ensure hygiene, social distancing and safety standards are met.

"My thanks go to all who have worked so hard to achieve this level of service to the public in such difficult circumstances.”

The city's judges, working on a rota system, have continued to sit in the courtroom in the usual way, with court clerks present, but in most cases prosecution and defence counsel join the hearing virtually via Skype.

A defendant on bail is not usually required to attend a hearing in person unless a specific direction has been given, and in cases where they may plead guilty they can attend virtually if they have access to a Skype enabled device - though they must show photographic evidence such as a driving licence to confirm their identity.

Defendants in custody continue to join hearings by a prison video link.

The building remains open to the public but its corridors are deserted. The security officers at the main entrance have the authority to question anyone entering the building and turn them away if symptomatic.

The listing of cases has been staggered to enable video link hearings to take place and to limit the number of people in the building at any one time.

Visitors allowed in have to abide by the two metre social distancing rules, which mean there is usually two or three chairs free in the public gallery, and one in the press bench.

Instead of attending, anybody with a legitimate interest in a case, including the press or a victim who wishes to read a Victim Personal Statement, may apply to the court for a Skype link to be present 'virtually' at a hearing.

Anybody attending a hearing remotely must ensure full compliance with data regulations around the protection of personal information, be aware of the statutory laws on recording or broadcasting a court hearing, and must be in a quiet place where they cannot be overheard.

Arrangements can be made to accommodate them in person, but Crown Court staff must be notified

In every case the judge will determine who can be present.

At most hearings, counsel have attended remotely by video link or, in rare cases, an audio link permitted under the Coronavirus Act 2020.

They must observe the normal rules about court attire but it is not necessary for court robes to be worn.

Judge Brown reiterated a defendant on bail who attends in person will not be sentenced unless the prison security firm has confirmed the custody suite meets hygiene and social distancing standards and there is safe capacity within it.

For the moment the Lord Chief Justice has directed that all jury trials are postponed, though a national judicial working group is examining the way forward, and the parties in pending trials are advised to continue to prepare for them.

But other cases, such as bail applications, plea hearings and sentences are going ahead where possible.