Suffolk PCC: Ipswich Magistrates' Court Feeling the Strain

The Police and Crime Commissioner of Suffolk has warned that the county's only remaining Magistrates' Court is feeling the strain.

Tim Passmore, who has been PCC since the post was established in 2012, told members of the Suffolk Public Sector Leaders group that the closure of Magistrates' Courts in Bury St Edmunds and Lowestoft had left the only remaining court, Ipswich Magistrates' Court, facing an increased workload and lack of investment.

According to the East Anglian Daily Times he also raised concerns about access to justice, with many court users have difficult and protracted journeys to get to Ipswich.

Mr Passmore said: "The main court in Ipswich is in need of improvement to make sure it is fit for purpose.

"If that means opening another court in Ipswich, then fine.

He added: "This is about trying to make sure we can look at value for money and access to justice.

"We are concerned for access to justice, particularly for those who are vulnerable or don't have access to public transport.

"No one should have an impediment to the criminal justice system."

Mr Passmore also raised concerns at the rumour that the CPS intends to decrease the number of prosecutions at Ipswich Magistrates' Court, despite the area experiencing a slight uplift in the number of reported crimes.

"I am concerned because the thought of prosecution should be a deterrent to criminals and bad behaviour. It comes across as a quota or target.

"As a PCC I think that's an erroneous position to take."

Following the meeting, Mr Passmore added: "It is really concerning because access to justice is the cornerstone of living in the UK. We had a piece of research done by the university which showed that in some rural areas of Suffolk, particularly the west, cases had been compromised as witnesses couldn't turn up.

"I don't think this is acceptable at all. Justice had got to be done."

Nobody from the CPS was at the meeting to respond to Mr Passmore's comments.