DEFENDANTS will be able to e-mail the judge with "not guilty" pleas during virtual reality-style court cases.

In a court piloted in Newcastle Crown Court, instead of attending a preliminary hearing, defendants will be able to e-mail the judge with pleas through cyber space.

The £500,000 development at Newcastle Crown Court centre is part of a £94m programme to speed up justice, improve efficiency and provide better service for victims, witnesses and jurors. The court is one of 20 nationwide involved in the trailblazing new technology.

Government minister Lord Bach said last night: "Introducing modern technology and working practices will revolutionise the crown court."

Features of the court centre include electronic information screens outside each courtroom and in the main foyer to keep all users up to date with proceedings.

Courts will be equipped with digital recording equipment, computers for storing evidence and microphones so that witnesses do not have to repeat themselves or raise voices.

Others include in-court work stations enabling the court clerk to instantly e-mail information and access for jurors and witnesses seeking information about the court.

Evidence will also be presented to the court electronically, allowing photographs, maps and witness statements to be displayed on computer screens.