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>> Lammy lays out controversial plans to overhaul trials >> Juries scrapped for all but murder, rape & manslaughter

- BY SOPHIE HUSKISSON Political Correspondent

DAVID Lammy is to announce controversial plans to overhaul the courts system to stop victims waiting years for justice.

The Deputy PM, who is also the Justice Secretary, is expected to set out once-in-a-generation proposals to reduce defendants' access to trials by jury a move that some lawyers have branded an assault on liberty.

Under the changes only murder, rape or manslaughter cases would be heard by a jury, with the majority of cases to be decided by a judge alone.

Ahead of today's announcement in Parliament, Mr Lammy last night announced over half a billion pounds for vital support for victims and witnesses over the next three years.