hearings

Parole hearings will be open to the public for the first time after outrage over John Worboys case 

by

Parole hearings will be open to the public for the first time after outrage over John Worboys case Ministry of Justice will relax the requirement to hold parole hearings in private Victims and prisoners will be consulted over any decision to bring a hearing into the public eye, but neither will have a veto Change … Read more

Scottish government spent £55,000 ‘preparing’ civil servants for Alex Salmond inquiry hearings 

by

The Scottish government spent more than £50,000 on preparing civil servants to give evidence about the investigation into former First Minister Alex Salmond, it has emerged. Top officials are reported to have spent hours preparing for the sessions, where they then suffered a ‘collective memory loss’ on key details. This has led to accusations of ‘coaching’ … Read more

Newborn babies taken into care after remote family court hearings, report reveals

by

Mothers are having their newborn babies taken into care following virtual family court hearings from their hospital beds, a new report shows. Around half of parents or relatives involved in remote hearings during the Covid-19 pandemic admitted they did not understand exactly what was happening in the proceedings, a study published today by the Nuffield Family Justice … Read more

The Block’s Darren Jolly and ex wife Deanne both headed to court in separate criminal hearings

by

Darren Jolly and estranged wife Deanne are both facing serious criminal charges in the fallout of their messy break-up.   The 38-year-old former Block star was scheduled to appear before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Monday where he faces multiple charges.  The matter was expected to be adjourned off along with thousands of other criminal hearings … Read more

Parole Board hearings may be opened to crime victims under planned review of the way it operates 

by

Parole Board hearings may be opened to crime victims under planned review of the way it operates Justice Secretary Robert Buckland will announce a review of the parole system It could mean crime victims would be able to attend hearings for the first time Move follows criticism of the handling of black cab rapist John … Read more

Sports halls ‘could become makeshift courtrooms’ for family and commercial hearings

by

Sports halls and hotel meeting rooms ‘could become makeshift courtrooms’ for family and commercial hearings in bid to get through backlog of 37,000 jury trials at traditional courts Lord Burnett told MPs that venues which are shut could be used for civil cases He hopes crown courts in England and Wales will reopen by end … Read more