LEGAL EXPERT WARNS OF COURT CLOSURE REPERCUSSIONS

04/01/2011

One of the East Midlands’ leading legal experts has warned that the planned closure of three magistrates’ courts in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire could have serious financial consequences.

Justice Minister Jonathan Djanogly has announced that courts in Ilkeston, Newark and Retford will all close their doors as part of a programme of cost cutting measures. However, Anton Balkitis, partner at law firm Rothera Dowson, believes that the move will not only severely restrict access to justice in the counties, but also bring about extra costs.

“The closures will present a real logistical nightmare,” commented Anton. “Victims of crime will be forced to travel much further than ever before, resulting in added costs and transport difficulties.

“You also have to consider the financial impact of having to round up those individuals who fail to answer bail, which is likely to become much more commonplace when the nearest court is a bus ride or two away.”

As part of the programme, which will see a total of 93 magistrates' courts and 49 county courts close, Newark County Court will also be scrapped. The move is expected to save £41.5m over the next four years, with a further £38.5m set to come from the sale of former court houses. But, Anton, who represents motorists and transport operators in courts across the country, believes other alternatives were too quickly cast aside:

“This whole decision seems to be based on low utilisation figures. However, I’m inclined to agree with the Magistrates Association, which has pointed out that a number of measures could be employed to reverse that. These include the transferring of trials delayed at crown courts to magistrates, and including tribunals and the coronial service in court houses too, so as to reduce capacity issues.

“Sadly, these sensible options have been swept aside and, although savings will be made, victims of crime across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire will be left to count the cost of facing much more restricted access to the justice system.”

For further information contact Anton Balkitis on 0800 124 4012.