Fast-track justice plan revealed

Criminals could be dealt with in days or even hours under government plans to bring in "swift and sure justice", ministers are to reveal today.

Court hours will be more flexible, technology will enable police officers to give evidence remotely and video links for defendants and witnesses will become routine, the Ministry of Justice will announce.

The move could see "straightforward" shoplifting cases being resolved in under two weeks, compared with the current five, a White Paper will say.

Magistrates will also be given a stronger role in community justice.