Virtual Court To Open In Devon

A so-called virtual court is being operated in north Devon for three days a week.

A fully-kitted court room, based in Barnstaple police station, will be linked by live video to magistrates in Exeter.

It'll operate on Wednesdays, Thursday and Saturdays when Barnstaple magistrates court is closed.

It's the first in the South West and will run for 3 months.  If successful it will be rolled out to Cambourne in Cornwall and Torbay.

Sgt Phil Leonard  says the virtual court is not the same as Live Link which is being used in some police stations for officers to give evidence  to courts remotely. 

He has been talking to our reporter Wendy Buckingham about  the scheme  CLICK HERE

The virtual station has been welcomed by North Devon District Council leader and court campaigner Brian Greenslade who says it'll help keep justice local.