P144 CEEFAX 1 144 Mon 16 Jan 21:02/09
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Petty criminals could avoid court
Offenders who plead guilty to some
crimes could be punished without going
to court, under legal reforms being
considered by the government.
Prosecutors, with police, could decide
punishments for offences such as
shoplifting, theft and criminal damage
- instead of magistrates.
The reforms are aimed at cutting
magistrates' court cases by half.
The Conservatives said the point of a
magistrates' court hearing was to set
appropriate sentences.
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