Two new courtrooms open in St Helier

Two new courtrooms have opened at Jubilee Wharf in St Helier as Jersey’s courts prepare for a busy schedule of cases.

The government-owned building now includes a courtroom specially designed for jury trials. Its first major case will be the hearing into the Haut du Mont explosion, which killed 10 people and is due to begin on Monday.

A second courtroom will handle family, children’s and civil cases, helping to increase capacity at the Royal Courts.

Bailiff Robert MacRae said the new facilities would allow the courts to accommodate cases already scheduled, as well as those expected in the future.

The additional court space follows an independent review of Jersey’s criminal justice system, which recommended increasing facilities at the Royal Courts, including suitable areas for vulnerable witnesses.

The Bailiff’s Office said the new courtrooms were not intended as a permanent solution, but would provide suitable facilities while longer-term arrangements are developed.

Mr MacRae said the work had “significantly increased both the capacity and flexibility” of Jersey’s courts.