The first video link for child witnesses and victims to be set up outside a court was installed in Leicester last week in the final stage of a year-long scheme to roll out video links for youth courts across the country.

The link was installed in a Victim Support office in Leicester as part of a £2.6 million project that has seen video link facilities fitted in 85 youth courts in England and Wales.


The project was funded by the Youth Justice Board to encourage youngsters to give evidence, particularly in cases involving violence.


Two-thirds of the 369 magistrates' courts in England and Wales now have video links, with three-quarters expected to have links installed by next year.


Courts minister Christopher Leslie said: 'The criminal justice system needs to look after victims and witnesses who are central to the whole court process; often a successful conviction will hinge on individuals who have suffered at the hands of criminals.


'This video link and the others in youth courts will protect vulnerable children from facing defendants in court.


'They will help witnesses who may previously have been afraid to attend court to give evidence, especially in cases of intimidation or violence.'