Criminals facing sentences of less than three years for offences like burglary, possession of drugs and some forms of sexual assault will lose access to jury trials.

Under a major shake-up of the courts system, the number of cases going to juries is expected to halve from 3% to 1./5%.

Defendants accused of a whole host of crimes currently have the choice to choose a jury trial if they wish. But under once-in-a-generation plans, the right to choose will be completely ditched with the judiciary in charge of deciding which part of the courts system a trial will take place.

The controversial curbing of jury trials is hoped to help victims get access to justice faster amid devastating years-long waits for trial dates. Officials also hope it will stop criminals “gaming” the courts system by

See Full Page