Court fees for convicted criminals not thought through, say magistrates
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Version 0 of 1. A rule change that will force convicted criminals in England and Wales to pay up to £1,200 towards the cost of their court case has been criticised by magistrates. Richard Monkhouse, the chairman of the Magistrates’ Association, said he did not think the fees, which come into force next month, had been properly thought through. The charges start at £150 and are not means-tested, although they can be paid in instalments. Those who admit offences will pay less than defendants convicted after trial. The fines will not be linked to the sentence but set according to the cost of a case. Monkhouse told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme on Friday: “I don’t think this has been thought through as well as it might have been.” He said it was not clear whether the change would affect how people plead. The association has claimed that it could encourage innocent people to plead guilty to avoid the risk of higher payments if they are convicted. It has also warned that the fees could place a financial burden on those with little income. Monkhouse said he understood the fee was “remissible” if not paid within two years, provided the defendant did not reoffend in that period. Chris Grayling, the justice secretary, said: “From my first day in this job I have been clear that people must have confidence in our justice system. “We’re on the side of people who work hard and want to get on, and that is why these reforms will make sure that those who commit crime pay their way and contribute towards the cost of their court cases.” |