Society welcomes reform

Speaking in the House of Commons on Tuesday 5 November, Courts Minister Heidi Alexander MP said that while the use of the Single Justice Procedure was “vital for the efficient running of the magistrates court” it must operate “fairly and effectively” and “poor practice” would not be tolerated.

The Society of Editors has supported a review of the use of the Single Justice Procedure and called for greater scrutiny of how decisions are being made. Concern over the use of the fast-track courts procedure for minor offences such as driving without car insurance, non-payment of TV licences or not having a valid train ticket follows an investigation by the Standard which has highlighted flaws in the system and a lack of transparency over how decisions are being made.

As well as redesigning the SJP notice sent to defendants to make it clearer, Alexander said that she would also be speaking to SJP prosecutors to discuss ways in which the public interest can be considered by them in advance of making prosecutions.

Responding to the announcement, Dawn Alford, executive director of the Society of Editors said that greater openness and transparency was needed if the public was to have confidence in the continued use of the practice.

She said: “The Evening Standard’s investigation into use of the Single Justice Procedure (SJP) has rightly highlighted serious concerns over the fairness of cases being considered particularly those involving the elderly and vulnerable.

“We welcome the government’s recognition that urgent changes are required and that poor practice will no longer be tolerated. If public confidence in the use of this part of the justice system is to be achieved, greater openness and transparency around how decisions are being made is required and decisions cannot be taken behind closed doors.”