Judges' sentencing in high-profile court cases to be televised

Broadcasters welcome filming of criminal trial conclusions amid lawyer warnings of ‘spectator sport’

Judges sentencing convicted offenders in high-profile criminal cases in England and Wales, including murders, rapes and other serious offences, will be televised from later this year, the Ministry of Justice has said.

The final stage of crown court trials, when judges deliver sentencing remarks, will be broadcast to enable greater public understanding and scrutiny of courtroom hearings.