CAGING dangerous criminals to make sure they are off the streets is vital for communities and victims.

Balancing that against someone’s right to a fair trial is also a key part of living in a civilised society.

So when the coronavirus lockdown began, it caused a massive headache for the courts here in Sussex, and nationwide there is a backlog of thousands of cases.

From seeing barristers and judges in wigs, gowns and regalia, I am now reporting on cases being held virtually over Skype.

It has certainly made the job very different to what I was doing just over a month ago.

My role as the crime reporter has usually seen me report from murder scenes and magistrates’ courts all the way to crown court trials and sentencing hearings.

It has included reporting from the Old Bailey in London and from cases which have shocked communities.

The magistrates’ court has still been open to me as a reporter during lockdown., though every minor case which gets heard is usually being postponed.

Inside, a district judge is very careful to ensure everyone inside keeps at least two metres apart.

Each day, those arrested by police the day before are still appearing.

Those who plead guilty often get sentenced immediately. But for those who plead not guilty, the date of their future trial remains unclear.

Meanwhile at the crown courts at Lewes, Hove and Brighton, things have also changed.

We were mid-way though a murder trial of two men accused of stabbing a man to death in Brighton when the lockdown came in.

Their trial has been postponed.

It was no longer safe for juries to sit shoulder to shoulder, packed together like tinned sardines in a jury box in court.

So all trial by juries are off. Who knows when it will be safe for them to be started again, but it means it is unlikely I will be reporting on the tension of a murder trial any time soon.

I have had a chance to see a different side to judges and barristers.

This has included having a sneak peek inside the homes of judges as they appear on their laptops via Skype.

Courteous court clerks, who ensure journalist have access to the hearing, tell everyone: “While this hearing is being conducted via Skype, it does not change the seriousness or importance of the hearing.”

The judges and barristers still look professional in their suits though something of their authority seems to be diminished by not seeing them in their full wigs and gowns.

So, even in difficult times, I will be reporting as much as I can from the courts and ensuring the principle of

open justice is upheld for readers, victims and the community.