COURTS opened to the public at the weekend in a bid to claw back millions of pounds in unpaid fines and compensation.
Courts were opened in Newcastle and North Tyneside on Saturday to try to recoup almost £3m in unpaid cash.
Across Durham, Cleveland, Northumberland and Cumbria, criminals owe £11m in fines, costs and compensation.
The cash offices at Newcastle and North Tyneside magistrates' courts opened for three hours to allow people to pay their debts.
If they prove successful, the extra opening hours could be kept in place. Magistrates will also be available to sit on Saturdays and deal with persistent fine dodgers
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