Shropshire Star

Decision to handle criminal court cases out of Shropshire ‘makes no sense’

A decision to handle all criminal custody remand cases in a court outside of Shropshire “makes no sense”, according the region’s police and crime commissioner.

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West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion and Telford & Wrekin Council’s deputy leader, Councillor Richard Overton, have been highly critical of the decision taken by HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS).

It means that remand cases currently heard at Telford Magistrates Court are expected to be centralised in Kidderminster, following consultation by the courts and tribunals service.

Mr Campion and Councillor Overton said the plans make no sense and could heighten the risk of re-offending.

They have called for further talks over the proposal, after raising concerns that the move will put West Mercia Police under even more financial pressure.

In total, there were 62 responses to a consultation on the proposal, which finished in August.

In a report released earlier this month, the Ministry of Justice revealed that reaction to the plans was mixed.

But despite the issues raised by those that responded, the Ministry of Justice still suggests remand cases are heard at Kidderminster.

Mr Campion said there had been a “complete failure” to recognise the impact the move would have on other services, particularly West Mercia Police. He said: “I am disappointed that HM Courts and Tribunals Service (HMCTS) didn’t engage with me more to look at more efficient ways of making this work.

“The decision to have only one remand court within an area that is the geographical size and complexity of West Mercia makes no sense.

“Any savings for the court service could be passed to the police to pick up as a result of having to move prisoners across a vast area.

“There is also a risk of re-offending from defendants having to make their own way home from the court.

“There are more efficient ways of making this work and reducing demand on others, such as creating multiple remand courts or introducing digital solutions like video-link.

“I would welcome the opportunity for further conversations with HMCTS in order to review how these other options can be introduced.”

Councillor Overton also called for further talks with HMCTS. He said: “This is a proposal that makes no sense and I would urge HMCTS to reconsider. Whatever savings would be made financially are completely negated by the logistical and operational complications that centralisation of the remand court system would pose.”

“This is bad news for victims, witnesses, defendants and all their families.

“It would also mean Shropshire is the only county in England without a fully functioning magistrates court and you would have to be concerned about the future of Shrewsbury Crown Court as well.

“West Mercia is far too large to only be served by one remand court and I would welcome further dialogue with HMCTS to explore other possible options.”