Witnesses eye virtual court tour

Victims and witnesses expected to appear at Ipswich Crown Court can now take a virtual tour of the court and familiarise themselves with court proceedings on-line, thanks to a new Web site launched last week.The tour, which is narrated by radio DJ and Suffolk resident John Peel, shows visitors the layout of the courtroom and tells them about court procedures, such as giving evidence.Visitors enter the courtroom through an on-line 'foyer', where security procedures are explained to them, and they are given tips on how to proceed.They then meet a CPS lawyer, whose role and function is explained to them.

The site also offers a tour of the actual courtroom, with prosecution and defence lawyers, the judge and the court clerk present.

Clicking on the figures offers visitors explanations of their roles, and also hints such as how to address the barristers and judge.The site was developed by Suffolk Crown Court witness service management group, with the aim of making it easier for witnesses to familiarise themselves with the court and its procedures before they give evidence.The witness service currently offers potential witnesses a pre-trial visit to the real courtroom, but few take up the offer owing to the difficulties and costs associated with getting to the court.Maxine Kasicki, chairwoman of the witness service management group, said: 'Appearing in court can be a daunting experience for victims and other witnesses, and we must do all we can to support them and familiarise them with the process of giving evidence.'She added that the 'unique project' would also help educate the wider public about court procedures and the Crown Court environment.LINKS www.virtualcrowncourt.org.ukVictoria MacCallum