Supercourt will allow trials with up to 12 defendants

THE first supercourt that is triple the normal size has been created in a bid to bring more criminal gangs to justice.

The Crown Court, in Manchester, will allow trials with up to 12 defendants largely involved in gang related crimes such as county lines drug trafficking, murders and money laundering. The first trial on Monday focuses on defendants accused of firearms offences.

It has been designed to allow up to 25 people to stand in the dock including not only the defendants but also their prison, police or security guards.

It will increase the capacity for big trials that can also accommodate social distancing amid the growth in gang crimes which tripled in size to a £500

‘The Super Courtroom is the latest step in our efforts to tackle the impact of the pandemic on justice system’

million industry linked to murder and sexual exploitation.

It is also designed to speed up justice as such “multi-hander” trials would previously have had to be split between two or three courtrooms.

The supercourt has also been equipped with remote video technology which means defendants can continue to be beamed into hearings to avoid delays and vulnerable witnesses and victims allowed to relay their evidence from outside the room.

Courts minister Lord Wolfson said: “This Super Courtroom is just the latest step in our efforts to tackle the impact of the pandemic on our justice system.

“We’re not stopping here, though, and continue to pursue every option as we reduce delays and deliver speedier justice for victims.”