A NEW computer system already causing chaos in many courts in England and Wales has now been installed in every criminal court.

The Common Platform system has been hailed by the Ministry of Justice as allowing “quicker and seamless sharing of information between all those involved in criminal justice cases” in England and Wales.

But legal professionals have condemned the system, which handles all case information, saying it puts strain on “already overstretched resources.”

Court staff went on strike last October last year and in January in protest at Common Platform’s imposition.

Members of the Law Society have reported technical problems that they say make the system “not fit for purpose.”

Justice Minister Mike Freer said: “Common Platform is improving how we work to deliver justice.

“It will allow instant and seamless information sharing that will reduce errors and ensure vital details about cases can be seen quickly by all those involved in a case.”