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Reducing a Court appearance to something akin to BGT, Pop Idol, The Voice or any other reality TV programme dehumanises a defendant who’s liberty, home, marriage, job etc may be in jeopardy.

As things stand at present with video Courts, there is insufficient time or opportunity to discuss evidence, issues, pleas or an unsigned basis of plea with the CPS or the Probation Service.

This head-long rush into making appearances before Courts via video-link is unwise and a backward step in gaining the confidence of the public in the criminal justice system.

IMHO, far more independently monitored research is needed.