Northern Ireland’s Justice Minister Claire Sugden has announced a pilot scheme to pre-record the cross-examination of vulnerable and intimidated witnesses.

Ms Sugden announced the pilot as she highlighted improvements to services and support for victims and witnesses of crime.

She said she recognised “the importance of reducing the stress placed on vulnerable and intimidated witnesses as they contribute to the criminal justice system”.

Ms Sugden continued: “Therefore, I am progressing work to pilot the recording of the cross-examination of vulnerable and intimidated witnesses ahead of the trial.

“This special measure will be piloted in Belfast Crown Court this summer for a period of 12 months.

“This is a significant step forward which removes the requirement for such witnesses to attend the trial. It will also allow the criminal justice system to take account of the specific needs and vulnerabilities of such witnesses and enable them to give their best evidence.”

In general, Ms Sugden said that “good progress has been made in recent years to improve the experience of the criminal justice system for victims and witnesses of crime”.

The Registered Intermediaries Schemes, which assists vulnerable witnesses to give evidence in criminal proceedings, is set to be rolled out to all Magistrates’ Courts following a £50,000 funding boost.

So far, 1,200 vulnerable people have benefited from the scheme.