JUSTICE is changing. Traditional court rooms still exist where barristers and judges wear wigs in a nod to their predecessors.

But as we move further into the 21st century, technology is playing more of a part in the courts system.

Now virtual courtrooms and e-mailed confessions for criminal cases could be coming to Colchester.

Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunal Services has confirmed a “virtual courts pilot” will take place in Southend first which if successful could be rolled out to the north of the county.

It will involve suspects being arrested and charged at police stations and, rather than going to court, appearing on camera from the station.

The thinking behind this is to save time and money.

But there are reservations. Justice must be open and transparent and must be seen to be done.

Courts are open to the public and critics fear while justice will become hidden.

The court system in Essex is undergoing fundamental changes.

From Monday, remand hearings for north Essex suspects have been heard at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court.

This is despite Colchester having a state-of-the-art £30 million Colchester Magistrates’ Court complex which was only opened four years ago.

Remand hearings are the first appearances for suspects charged with crimes.

A spokesman for HMCTS said: “We have a world-leading legal system and are investing over £1 billion to reform and digitise our courts to deliver swifter justice.

“Following a consultation with regular court users, we are moving all overnight custody cases currently heard at Colchester Magistrates’ Court to Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court.

“Ensuring we make the best use of our resources and court buildings will improve access to justice and improve the experience for all court users.”

And the spokesman confirmed the Local Criminal Justice Board is developing a virtual pilot which could lead to suspects not going to court at all.

But is streamlined justice the way forward?

Criminal defence solicitor Caroline Woodley, from Colchester firm OBW Perera, said some solicitors feared Colchester and Southend magistrates’ courts could stop handling criminal cases and Colchester could become little more than a family court.

She explained virtual courts would require solicitors to choose between being at the police station with a client for the hearing or in the courtroom with the prosecutor, magistrate, probation service and other agencies such as those involved in mental health or drug referral.

Splitting them up, she warned, could also cause problems and delays. It will also take up police officer time who will become defacto clerks. Police interview rooms will be reserved for video links causing delays to officers.

Mrs Woodley has concerns. She said: “Although there was the obligatory consultation, the defence opposed both the centralising of remands to Chelmsford as well as virtual courts. We were consulted but were ignored.”

Colchester High Steward Sir Bob Russell, who was instrumental in keeping a court in the town, has also expressed his concerns.

Speaking to the Gazette he said: “We all need to keep an eye on this.

“Having lost County Court provision in Colchester for civil cases what is now being said could be the beginning of the loss of magistrates’ courts to hear criminal cases in Colchester.”

Justice must be open and transparent - but how that is achieved in this day and age is another matter entirely.