LAW and order in Warrington is set to be transformed with the introduction of an initiative to speed up the wheels of justice.

People arrested and charged with criminal offences can expect to appear before town magistrates within two days, it is claimed, under a new fast-track system.

But the first potential hitch has already been uncovered with the question of compensation payments to victims arising at the very start of the scheme.

The courts are being encouraged to deal as swiftly as possible with defendants.

Yet assessing damage claims can take time, it has been discovered, leaving the question of what effect this will have on people on the wrong end of crimes.

Insp Neil Edgely, of Cheshire Police, said there would be "teething problems" with any such system.

The issue would be examined by a steering group, comprising police, magistrates, prosecutors and defence lawyers, meeting yesterday, Thursday.

"If it is identified as a problem then we will address this on a multi-agency basis," Insp Edgely explained.

Earlier this week Barry Hughes, the county's chief crown prosecutor outlined the benefits to victims of crime.

"It should be a great comfort to victims and witnesses to know that all the criminal justice agencies are working together to bring their ordeal to a speedy conclusion more quickly," said Mr Hughes.

Currently, suspects can expect to wait weeks before first arriving at court - but supporters of the new scheme claim it will halve the length of time it takes to deal with many cases.

Defendants pleading guilty to minor offences such as public disorder and more serious charges of drink-driving could be sentenced within a couple of days of commiting the crime.

The far-reaching review was prompted by research by leading civil servant Martin Narey, which discovered that adjournments and delays resulted in the courts dealing with fewer cases than ever before.

Basing Crown Prosecution Service staff in police stations, to make swift decisions about charges and review files, should lead to early hearings for "straightforward" cases.

This week saw the introduction of the first "Narey" sessions, at the town's Arpley Street courts.

Training sessions have taken place for magistrates and court staff on how to handle the Narey system.

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