West Mercia's Police and Crime Commissioner has responded to the Justice Secretary's announcement that jury trials for those facing less than three years in prison will be axed.

David Lammy confirmed the details of plans on Tuesday to scrap juries in criminal trials for all but the most serious cases.

New "Swift Courts" will see cases with a likely sentence of three years or less heard by a judge alone.

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Plans to increase court sitting days - the number of days hearings are heard - provide additional funding for legal aid advocates, and encourage more people into the legal profession have been broadly welcomed by West Mercia Police and Crime C

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