Only seven defendants have chosen to use the virtual court in Kent since the pilot began three months ago, the Gazette has learned, as the Ministry of Justice seeks to make the Kent scheme compulsory.

The pilot enables defendants to make their first court appearance from custody in the police station, via videolink.

Lawyers say this is not in the best interests of clients and poses problems with confidentiality and solicitor safety.

Robin Murray, member of the Kent local implementation committee for the pilot scheme, said: ‘Rushing forward the removal of consent for the virtual court is the last desperate throw of the dice by the government and is an acknowledgment of a failed scheme… The scheme is so problematic and increasingly unpopular with the courts that it will undoubtedly fail.’

A spokesman said the MoJ always intended to make the scheme compulsory.