Victims of crime given new courtroom protection in Essex

Victims of crime will given new courtroom protection in Essex - allowing them to pre-record their evidence.

Crown Courts in Chelmsford and Basildon will be offering this to vulnerable witnesses from today so they can be spared the trauma of attending the trial.

The new technology allows vulnerable witnesses and victims to have their cross-examination video-recorded earlier in the process and played during the trial.

This is to ensure they can provide their best evidence, away from the courtroom which many can often find intimidating.

The technology is already available in 18 courts across the country.

Victims under 18 and those with mental disorders, disabilities or impairments will be able to pre-record their evidence, including cross-examination, which can be played during a trial so they can be "spared the trauma" of appearing in court in person, the Ministry of Justice said.

The evidence is recorded in front of the judge, prosecution and defence lawyers as well as the defendant.

Recordings take place as soon after the offence as possible to help victims emember what happened.

The decision to pre-record evidence is made by judges on a case-by-case basis.

It is hoped to roll it out to al courts by the end of year.