New courts to tackle crime load

Four new court rooms have been opened in Hertfordshire to tackle an increase in the crime load in the county.

Two new crown courts were opened in the magistrates' court building in St Albans' Civic Centre, along with two new magistrates' courts.

Crown Court Judge Michael Baker QC said: "At present cases from the Stevenage area go to Luton Crown Court.

"We will be able to pick up our work rate and deal with all Hertfordshire cases in the county."

Judge Baker said the new courts would be strategically very important.

"There should be some savings in cost and it should make life easier for witnesses, defendants and advocates," he added.