Today's remote access to justice attempt: Wimbledon Mags

Extremely nice lady at the court was surprised about my request after initially suggesting I 'Come on down'

I made the mistake of saying which case I was interested in, so they said they'd call me when that case started.

Slightly frustrating as I want to hear every case, so I was put on a conference call with waiting music

A court is de-facto 'open' to the public unless a judge has made a specific order (exceptions for bail hearings I think)

Press have access to every hearing, even youth court

I've forwarded the judge guidance on media access to court and some rushed 'representations' on why I 'should be permitted to access the court remotely rather than attending in person'

Guidance on remote access: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/hmcts-telephone-and-video-hearings-during-coronavirus-outbreak

I understand, but it feels a bit sad that I have to argue why I should be able to attend a public court hearing remotely.

It's a public hearing. We're at the peak of a pandemic. I don't want to bring Covid-19 to a court or take it home.

I sent my rushed representations:
-Gov says stay at home if not essential
-I don't want to get sick, courts are a risk
-There's no reason to refuse
-Westminster allowed me to
-If courts stay open, then justice still needs to be seen to be done

I've been listening to this music for an hour.

Wondering whether the judge has been considering my application to hear their public court for 40+ minutes, seems unlikely, but judges can be quite thorough!

My request was granted at 1115, about two hours after asking for access.

Sadly, the sound issue is even worse than Westminster Magistrates'.

Wimbledon courts have high ceilings and brick walls which bounce the sound around terribly, it's difficult even when you're in the room!

The legal advisor checked with me and moved the microphone slightly, but it's only made a slight difference

Some might say this is a waste of time, that if I (and/or the public) want to see justice being done we should attend in person.

I'm hearing the case of a 26 year old man accused of leaving his parents in fear of their life. They say he smashed their plates and assaulted his mother twice in February.

When judges are dealing with such serious matters you can see why a reporter on the phone is low priority

He's trying to get bail awaiting trial.

But prosecutor says his behaviour has become increasingly erratic and violent and his parents have hidden knives from him. She fears he will commit further offences.

A repeat offending shoplifter with addition issues who stole 8 packets of batteries from Wilkinson's has been given another chance.

'You’ve had five chances now. If you want, I will send you to prison.'