Video Links for Child Witnesses

Children who have witnessed or been victims of crimes committed
by young people will no longer have to appear in person to give
evidence in many areas.

Video links have been set up in 85 youth courts across England
and Wales in an effort to encourage child victims and witnesses to
testify, particularly in cases involving violence.

The £2.6m project will link vulnerable and intimidated
witnesses’ rooms to the youth courts, which form part of
magistrates’ courts and deal with cases involving young
people under the age of 18.

Minister for courts Christopher Leslie said that having video
links in youth courts will protect vulnerable children from having
to face defendants in court.

“They will help witnesses who may previously have been afraid to
attend court to give evidence, especially where there has been
intimidation.”