POLICE in Wiltshire have scooped more than £13,000 for hi-tech equipment to stop hardened criminals nobbling vulnerable witnesses before trials.

The government cash will be spent on setting up video suites so young, disabled and elderly eye-witnesses can pre-record evidence which will be used in court, rather than appear in court in person.

Ministers are determined to reduce the number of prosecutions which collapse because defendants and their henchmen have intimidated witnesses, guaranteeing they are too frightened to testify before a judge.

The £13,812 windfall came from the Home Office's Video Facilities Fund.

Wiltshire Police Authority must invest the same sum in the video suites' total cost of £27,624.

Home Office Minister Baroness Scotland said: "Witnessing a crime and then going to court to give evidence can be a very distressing experience.

"This Government is committed to providing better services and support for both victims and witnesses to encourage their co-operation throughout the justice process.

"This will provide a better service for vulnerable witnesses by easing the process of giving evidence."

Vulnerable witnesses include youngsters aged under 17, adults with mental or learning disabilities, the elderly and people suffering physical disabilities.