Lord Justice Leveson unveils radical shake-up to 'inefficient' court system

Lord Justice Leveson has recommended a series of radical changes to be made to the justice system in England and Wales which he said was "inefficient, time consuming and very expensive".

Leveson's report, commissioned by the Lord Chief Justice, has proposed that magistrates' courts adopt flexible hours, use more evidence from cameras worn by police while also getting the government to stump up £160m (€212m, $240m) to help turn the "outdated paper-based system" into "digital courtrooms".

"[The government should make money available to meet the] inevitable cost of changing from the current systems to the more efficient ones," said Leveson, who previously led the inquiry into the culture, practice and ethics of the press.

"The changes I have recommended are all designed to streamline the way the investigation and prosecution of crime is approached without ever losing sight of the interests of justice."

"Our conduct of criminal trials was designed in the 19th Century with many changes and reforms bolted on, especially over the last 30 years.

"The result is that it has become inefficient, time consuming and, as a result, very expensive."

Lord Leveson said recommendations do not require changes made to legislation for them to come into force.

As part of his series of proposed changes, he also recommends more use of technology to allow "remote hearings" and "tighter case management" by judges.