The new system enables prosecution and defence barristers to submit information to the Crown Court for plea and directions hearings that can take place on the secure web site. The scheme only applies to defendants who want their cases adjourned. Defendants due to have their cases concluded will still have to appear in court.
Plea and directions hearings are preliminary hearings at the Crown Court before a case goes to trial. The defendant has the opportunity to plead guilty or not guilty. If the defendant pleads guilty, the judge may pass sentence or adjourn for the Probation Service to prepare a pre-sentence report.
According to the Criminal Justice web site, these hearings take up the equivalent of three full days per week at the Manchester court, with the daily cost of the use of a courtroom being £10,000 - £12,000.
The pilot scheme began last month and will be assessed in March 2003.