Crown Court sentencing remarks to be broadcast to public

From tomorrow (Thursday 28 July), broadcast news channels will air judges’ sentencing remarks from the Crown Court for the first time.

Following a change in the law, the public will see and hear judges explain the reasoning behind sentences, to allow a better understanding of how decisions are reached.

Broadcasting of sentencing remarks is allowed under The Crown Court (Recording and Broadcasting) Order 2020.

Some of the most high-profile courts across the country will be opened up, including the Central Criminal Court (the Old Bailey).

The sentencing at the Old Bailey of Ben Oliver, who pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of his grandfather in south London, is expected to be the first broadcasted case.

Only the judge will be filmed during broadcasted sentencings to protect the privacy of victims, witnesses and jurors.

This provision is part of the government’s wider court reform and digitalisation programme to increase access to justice, including the roll out of video technology to facilitate thousands of remote hearings and the use of video-recorded evidence for victims of rape and sexual offences.

Deputy prime minister, lord chancellor and secretary of state for justice, Dominic Raab said: “Opening up the courtroom to cameras to film the sentencing of some the country’s most serious offenders will improve transparency and reinforce confidence in the justice system.

“The public will now be able to see justice handed down, helping them understand better the complex decisions judges make”.

Until now, proceedings were only broadcast of certain Court of Appeal cases. The contract has now been extended to the Crown Court and Sky, BBC, ITN and Press Association are able to apply to film and broadcast sentencing remarks. The judge will have discretion over whether to grant the request.

National broadcasters have welcomed the reform, which follows a successful pilot that allowed not-for-broadcast sentencing remarks to be filmed in eight Crown Court sites.

John Battle, ITN’s head of legal and compliance and chairman of the Media Lawyers Association said: “This is a landmark moment for open justice.

“This reform reflects the public’s right to see justice being done in their courts. It will promote better public understanding of the work of the courts and greater transparency in the justice system.

“Court reporting is vital to democracy and the rule of law and this long overdue change is welcomed”.

John Ryley, head of Sky News, described the move as “a victory for the viewer” and said “viewers will now be able to see and understand the criminal process and the complexities and constraints under which judges work”.

Joe Pickover, head of video at PA Media commented “Audiences across the UK will gain a much better understanding of the criminal process by witnessing the judicial system first hand”.

The sentencing remarks will be hosted by Sky News on a dedicated YouTube channel. Footage is subject to the usual reporting restrictions and there will be a 10 second delay when broadcasting live to avoid any breach of restrictions or errors.