Deepdale Stadium opens as Nightingale Court to tackle backlog of cases
Two conference suites have been completely transformed.
Preston North End has kicked open its doors as a ‘Nightingale Court’ this week, joining the national effort to tackle the impact of coronavirus on the criminal justice system.
Located just a mile from the city’s Combined Court Centre, the stadium will free up space for more jury trials there, by providing two additional courtrooms at the ground. The rooms have been re-configured from their original use as conferencing suites. They will host non-custodial criminal cases and be able to issue fines and community service orders. Any cases deemed serious enough for time in prison will be sent back to a Crown Court for sentencing.
Courts Minister, Lord Wolfson QC, said: "We are determined to deliver swifter justice for people across Preston and this new Nightingale Court will boost those efforts.
"This is part of our action to tackle the impact of the pandemic on our courts and reduce delays for victims. As a result, the number of outstanding cases in the magistrates’ is falling and the number of trials being listed in the Crown Court increases each week."
A Preston North End FC spokesperson said: "Given that there has been very limited use of the stadium in the last year or so, it is good to have an activity such as the courts running from the premises and making good use of what is an iconic building at the heart of the community in Preston."
The move is part of a £113m government investment to support courts and tribunals during Covid. It includes recruiting 1,600 extra staff, investment in further technology, and on-site safety precautions such as plexiglass screens. This is on top of the £142m being spent to speed up technological improvements and modernise courtrooms.