Virtual courts could prejudice drink driving charges

Plans for police forces to use virtual courts for drink driving cases this Christmas have been described as a mixed blessing by one of the country’s leading motor defence lawyers. Under the scheme drink drivers caught over the limit in the run-up to Christmas could lose their licence within 90 minutes of being charged using "virtual court" technology. However Damian Horan from Moore Blatch says this could complicate some cases where a guilty verdict is not straightforward. “While this may save police hours we are concerned that rushing the legal process for some will lead to unsafe convictions and innocent people losing their licences,’’ said Damian. Kent Police have confirmed they will use video links between stations and courts to mete out punishment for those charged with drink driving and they could lose their licence immediately. “Usually a case will take several weeks to reach court by which time both parties will have had time to present their cases,’’ said Damian. “While drink driving is a very serious offence it is important for defendants to have the time to consult a legal expert to handle their case.’’