Filming of high-profile Old Bailey cases being piloted

Filming at the Old Bailey will be allowed for the first time as part of a new pilot scheme Credit: Nick Ansell/PA

High-profile Old Bailey cases are set to be filmed for the first time as part of a pilot scheme testing out the use of television cameras in Crown Court proceedings.

Only judges' sentencing remarks will be allowed to be recorded as part of the scheme and the footage will not initially be broadcast, but it is thought the pilot could pave the way for future live coverage of Crown Court cases.

The filming of Crown Court proceedings has not previously been allowed and up until now only Court of Appeal and Supreme Court hearings have been allowed to be caught on camera.

However the historic move is being hailed by officials as a possible key move in increasing the "openness and transparency" of what happens in courts in future.

Only the judges' sentencings will be allowed to be recorded Credit: Stephen Pond/EMPICS Sport

Justice minister Shailesh Vara said: "My hope is that this will lead to more openness and transparency as to what happens in our courts.

"Broadcasting sentencing remarks would allow the public to see and hear the judge's decision in their own words."

What happens next?

  • A statutory instrument will be laid in the House of Commons on Monday so that legislation can be passed to officially allow the filming ahead of the start of the three-month pilot.

  • Safeguards will be put in place to make sure victims are supported and the administration of justice is not affected.

Who will be involved?

  • Eight courts will take part in the pilot; the Old Bailey, Southwark Crown Court, Manchester Crown Court, Birmingham Crown Court, Bristol Crown Court, Liverpool Crown Court, Leeds Crown Court, and Cardiff Crown Court.

What exactly will be filmed?

  • Cameras will only film the judge.

  • Filming of all other court users, including staff, victims, witnesses, defendants and advocates will remain banned.