Historic virtual hearings at District ‘C’ court

Virtual hearings began at the District ‘C’ Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, in a move officials said would help reduce delays, limit the transport of remand prisoners and allow routine cases to be heard before physical courtrooms open.

The District ‘C’ magistrate sat at the David Simmons and Henry Forde Legal and Judicial Complex on Coleridge Street, as the criminal justice system moved to reduce court backlogs, ease prison transport logistics and enhance overall operational efficiency.

Reporters were allowed to witness the first virtual hearing in which Magistrate Bernadeth John presided over a case where the accused, his defence attorney and the prosecutor all appeared online without a hitch.