MAGISTRATES and solicitors in Bradford fear that innocent people are pleading guilty to avoid swingeing new court charges.

Criminal defendants face paying up to £1,200 as a Criminal Court Charge if they are convicted of an offence.

But nationally at least 20 magistrates have said they are resigning over the surcharge, and the number is thought to be higher.

Richard Monkhouse, chairman of the Magistrates’ Association, which represents 20,000 JPs, said he could understand magistrates resigning over the issue.

Mr Monkhouse said: “Whilst we’re not aware of specific resignations in the Bradford area, that doesn’t mean there hasn’t been any.

"Our members have expressed concerns about the charge from the outset and it shows the strength of feeling when experienced magistrates leave the Bench because of it. The law is the law and we have a sworn duty to apply it, so we’ve made our views known to the Lord Chancellor and will continue to do so.

“A six month review is needed with a view to granting judges and magistrates discretion in applying the charge because we know the majority of offenders will never be able to pay, and worse, that it may influence their pleas.”

One experienced Bradford magistrate said: "I have no doubt there will be some people who are not guilty who don't want to take the risk of having to pay the full charge. I think there are innocent people pleading guilty because of this."

The mandatory Criminal Court Charge was introduced in April. It ranges from £150 for a guilty plea for a summary offence at magistrates court to £520 for a conviction after a not guilty plea. That rises to £1,000 for a conviction for an offence that could also be tried at the crown court. The charge at crown court is £900 for a guilty plea and £1,200 for a conviction after pleading not guilty.

The JP said: "The charges are swingeing. I don't know a single magistrate who thinks that this charge is sensible. It simply hasn't been thought through and is an absolute nonsense. I know a lot of magistrates are most uncomfortable about applying it, but we have no alternative."

Bradford solicitor Alistair Bateman said he knew of one woman, accused of shoplifting, who denied committing the offence but pleaded guilty because of the Criminal Court Charge.

Mr Bateman said: "I would imagine it is not an isolated case. I do think people are pleading guilty to offences because they cannot afford the financial ramifications of losing a trial, and therefore justice is not being done.

"It is very concerning and there is a need to review it. Someone who has a trial and is convicted should make a contribution to court costs, but this is manifestly too much and there is no discretion."