“This is a landmark moment for open justice in the UK”
That was the reaction from Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, Donna Jones yesterday after legal history was made at the Old Bailey when for the first time ever, a sentencing hearing was televised.
Only the judge was filmed, in order to protect the privacy of witnesses, victims and jurors. The footage was broadcast on leading UK news channels and made available online.
Jones: Sentencing hearings are absolutely in the public interest
PCC Donna Jones, continued,
“Letting the cameras into the courtroom to film the sentencings of some of the country’s most serious offenders will allow the public to see justice first hand, as it happens.
“Transparency in our criminal justice system is paramount for people being able to have confidence that justice is being properly served, and further helps the public understand the complexities of the decisions judges have to make regarding serious crimes.
“Sentencing hearings are absolutely in the public interest, they are perpetrator focussed, and I am really pleased to have seen this breakthrough in the pursuit of open justice.”
News shared by the office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, in their own words. Ed
