Note from the DCJ Greater Manchester

• 12/01/2021

1. In light of recent developments and until further notice, unless the interests of justice require otherwise, hearings will be dealt with remotely or as hybrid hearings.
2. In the first instance, cases already listed for face-to-face hearings will be reviewed by a judge and appropriate directions made. If the court decides to change the format of a hearing or to adjourn the hearing the parties will be given as much notice as possible. Parties should bear in mind that staff resources are, once again, stretched.
3. Parties should not wait for directions to be made, rather they should be proactive and try to agree the best way to deal with a hearing. 
4. In the absence of agreement, a request for a change of format may be made by email sent to [email protected] with the case number, name of the case and date of the hearing in the subject line of the email with the words “request for [remote/hybrid] hearing” as appropriate.

 

5. Requests for adjournment will be dealt with on a case by case basis.
6. If a case remains listed as a face to face hearing all users must comply with covid guidance in each court. Risk assessments will be rigorously enforced.

 

HHJ Nigel Bird

DCJ Greater Manchester

 

[email protected]

 

12 January 2021