Yesterday I was one of the duty solicitors at court. I arrived at 9am. I left at 19.50, despite 2 courtrooms sitting. I had plenty of time to see why technology is not really the answer despite the best endeavours of everybody involved. Absolutely no criticism of them is intended

Court was using a hub system coordinated remotely by a legal adviser. This meant that clients had to be spoken to over the phone in custody rather than over video link in a private room. This compromised confidentiality and instructions had to be taken eliciting yes/no answers

1st client had MHI, at ps since Friday. Said he was happy to wait at ps until he could see me over videolink. Explained that couldn't happen. His was the 2nd case to be dealt with at 11am. Use of the hub seems to have increased refusal of police bail for less serious cases

Pros, appearing remotely, turned out to be an angry typist whose mic was too close to the keyboard. Drowning out everyone's speech the DJ had to tell her it was like giants were dancing on our heads. She found the mute button . A defence sol appearing remotely couldn't be heard

He had to call me to deliver a bail app on his behalf. Suspected covid cases were left to end of the list. They were kept in their cell with a laptop held up to the wicket. They could not hear a thing. Another man with MHI had bail refused with VC officer relaying what DJ said.

Even when videolink worked sound was distorted. Last case of the day was delayed by 20 mins while police completed handover. He too had serious MHI. Much later last night 1 of the clients called me. He had not understood that he had been in court yesterday and case dealt with