We recognise that for routine hearings there is a benefit of using video links from prison so a remanded defendant does not have to experience frequent disruption going to and from court. However, the convenience of video technology must not affect a defendant’s access to justice, and should not become a default position because of resource or capacity pressures. It is important that trials and other key hearings continue to be heard physically in court.

We recognise that for routine hearings there is a benefit of using video links from prison so a remanded defendant does not have to experience frequent disruption going to and from court. However, the convenience of video technology must not affect a defendant’s access to justice, and should not become a default position because of resource or capacity pressures. It is important that trials and other key hearings continue to be heard physically in court. Type: conclusion | Number: 26 | Paragraph: 146 | Response status: under_consideration Government response: We recognise that for routine hearings there is a benefit of using video links from prison so a remanded defendant does not have to experience frequent disruption going to and from court. However, to the extent that remote technologies are used, we agree we should ensure that the use of these techno