Gloucestershire’s court facilities have been described as “demeaning”, “inaccessible” and “substandard” in a comprehensive new report commissioned by Gloucestershire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Martin Surl. The report identifies the urgent need for a new criminal justice centre in Gloucestershire.

The 14-page report, ‘Court Provision in Gloucestershire – An overview’, reveals a number of issues highlighted by notable members of the Gloucestershire community including retired resident Judge at Gloucester Crown Court, Judge Jamie Tabor and Nick Gazzard – Father of Hollie Gazzard, who was murdered by her ex-partner.

Some of the issues include:

  • Challenges faced by court users getting to the three remaining court buildings, especially from rural locations
  • Extreme difficulties of access for court users with physical disabilities
  • Stress on staff and public who are forced to use outdated facilities that are no longer fit for purpose
  • The steady loss of local magistrates courts

Gloucestershire has lost five courthouses since 2010 when Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunal Service (HMCTS) began a national reform programme. Local justice is now administered by a Magistrates’ Court in Cheltenham, a Crown Court in Gloucester and a combined Civil and Family Court also in the city.

The report, compiled by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) notes that Gloucestershire is one of only six counties in the UK to have just one magistrates’ court. Gloucestershire also has one of the lowest number of courts per population compared to most demographically-similar areas.

It also cites the decision of recently-retired resident Judge Jamie Tabor to transfer any case involving a defendant, victim or witness with mobility issues out of the county. “No one should commence giving evidence by being carried into a courtroom — it was demeaning and humiliating for those involved”, said Judge Tabor.

Artist impression of new justice centre for Gloucester
Artist impression of new justice centre for Gloucester

Despite being overlooked on numerous occasions when the MoJ has allocated money for building improvements, Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Martin Surl is heartened by the Government’s proposed increase in funding for the police. He is also hoping the evidence gathered by his office will encourage the county’s MPs and other local representatives to work together in support of his campaign.

Mr Surl, who is also chair of the Gloucestershire Criminal Justice Board, said: “This is no reflection on the many dedicated people who work in our courts. Whether staff, victims or witnesses, they all deserve to fulfil their different roles in better working conditions.

“The court community in Gloucestershire has long been aware of the substandard facilities on offer. As our courthouses have reduced in number over the years, so too has the county’s ability to administer justice locally.

“The apparent change in the Government’s approach makes me hopeful that if all the parties with a legal interest in this issue can come together and agree on a plan, now could be the time to at last get something done.

“We cannot sit back and allow local justice to be administered from a regional centre like Bristol. We must do all we can to prevent that from happening”.

 

Suggested location for new justice centre for Gloucester
Suggested location in Quedgeley for new justice centre for Gloucester

Since first highlighting the issue in 2017, Mr. Surl has been working with partners to explore options for a new purpose-built justice centre fit for the 21st century. Many conversations have already taken place with senior representatives from HMCTS and Gloucestershire County Council.

The PCC has offered a site next to the custody complex at Waterwells as a viable option but would also support any suitable alternative site.

View Court Provision in Gloucestershire – An overview, below:

Download “Court Provision in Gloucestershire.pdf”

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