Originally published January 24 2006
Text messages in Britain warn offenders of court fines
by Mike Adams, the Health Ranger, NaturalNews Editor
People who evade their court fines or don't show up to court or for community service in Britain will now receive a text message to warn them that they could face further action. A trial in Staffordshire has been successful.
British offenders who fail to pay their court fines could receive a text message warning them "to pay up or get locked up."
Under plans outlined by the government Thursday, magistrates courts in England and Wales are to look at sending messages by text or email to fine evaders and those who fail to show up to court or for community service.
The messages warn those that don't comply with their court orders that they could face further action.
It follows a successful trial in Staffordshire, central England, when 150 offenders were sent messages to their mobile phones.
"Everybody's got a mobile phone and as one of the most common ways to keep in touch these days, it makes sense for the courts to contact offenders that way too," Constitutional Affairs Minister Harriet Harman said.
"It doesn't cost much, it's quick and effective and most importantly offenders take notice too."
The scheme may now be incorporated into the new National Enforcement Service which is to be tested in the north west from April next year.
In January the government, which estimates the cost of unpaid court fines runs into tens of millions of pounds a year, announced plans to clamp the cars or dock the wages of those who failed to pay up.
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