Sunday court program under way
Between 30 and 40 people are expected to front the State's first Sunday court each week as part of a $2.7 million plan to have antisocial offenders out of police lockups faster.
Yesterday marked the first day of the new Sunday sittings at the Northbridge Magistrate's Court in the new Perth police complex.
Alleged offenders arrested on Saturday night will now appear before the new court the following morning instead of having to wait until Monday to have their bail matters heard. The court will also be able to hear some regional bail applications by video link.
Attorney-General Michael Mischin said the initiative fulfilled the State Government's 2013 election commitment to have "rapid justice" at weekends.
He dismissed earlier claims that a Serco contract was the reason why the Sunday sittings had been delayed despite the court having been utilised on Saturdays for almost a year.
The Government has allocated $900,000 each year over three years to the court. Three retired magistrates have been appointed as acting magistrates, with more positions currently being advertised.
