Llandudno Magistrates Court reopens for face-to-face hearings as Welsh Secretary declares ‘justice must continue’

A magistrates court in North Wales has reopened for face-to-face hearings to allow justice to continue.

Llandudno Magistrates Court was one of a large number of courts to close its doors in the UK following the outbreak of COVID-19.

However, hearings started up again earlier this week after concerns about a significant backlog of cases building up.

The court was one of three in Wales assessed as suitable to hold socially-distanced hearings after each building was individually assessed.

Officials will be required to follow public health guidance strictly to ensure the protection and safety of all court users.

Secretary of State for Wales Simon Hart said: “Despite the considerable challenges that we face, it is important that the administration of justice continues to function.

“We are doing all we can to ensure that hearings across Wales can be heard whilst implementing measures to protect everyone who comes to court.”

Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales, Lord Burnett of Maldon said: “This is a very welcome step towards reopening all our court buildings. A remarkable volume of work has continued throughout the lockdown, much of it being conducted by judges from home.

“Reopening all of the court estate, using additional accommodation and continuing to use technology imaginatively will enable us to return to and surpass pre-lockdown volumes, helping manage the growing caseload.”

There are now 184 court and tribunal buildings open for essential face-to-face hearings, representing 54% of the 341 crown, magistrates, county and family courts and tribunals across Wales and England.

Work has also begun to identify suitable venues to house so-called ‘Nightingale’ courts.

It would see the use of public spaces, such as civic centres or university moot courts, to allow traditional court buildings to manage more work while maintaining social distancing.