[Stuart]

Quite surprised they're broadcasting the sentencing live considering they have to keep cutting away due to privacy injunctions in place. Would make more sense just to release the footage after. That said I don't think the sentencing being filmed adds anything to the process.

I get why in theory they're showing live what they can but it just highlights how in practice a reporter summing up the sentence after makes for a smoother broadcast.

It's all part of opening up the justice system and making it more visible to the public. I doubt it's truly live, the feed will be controlled by MOJ and have a short delay to avoid anything slipping through by mistake.

I saw the set-up at our local Magistrates' Court which was used extensively to allow cases to continue by video during the COVID lockdown. It was all controlled internally. It was actually quite impressive.

Hopefully none of us will ever be standing in the dock of a Crown Court to witness something like this, and there is quite limited space within the press/public galleries at such locations.