A SWINDON MP is helping to oversee the most radical shake-up of the criminal justice system in 30 years.

Michael Wills, who represents the North of the town, has been given the task in his capacity of a Parliamentary Secretary at the Lord Chancellor's Department.

The Lord Chancellor, Lord Irvine, has ordered him to oversee everything from data protection to the possible implementation of the Auld Review.

This document, produced by Lord Justice Robin Auld, recommends changes including unifying the magistrates' and Crown Court structures into a single system, and having judges rather than juries decide the verdicts in complex fraud cases.

Mr Wills said: "Crime and the fear of crime affects us all, whatever community we live in.

"We want to seek the views of the wider public as well as those working in the criminal justice system, to gain a broad consensus for effective reform of our criminal courts and to ensure justice is done and seen to be done."

On Monday, Mr Wills will be in Exeter to preside over a public discussion aimed at gathering the views of people in the South West.

It is one of a series of eight which began last month and will end next month, held in locations as diverse as Newcastle and Cardiff.

Mr Wills added: "We are looking at whether the jury system should be retained for all cases are some, like highly technical fraud trials, too specialist for lay juries to get to grips with?

"What about the composition of juries?

"What steps can we take to make sure the composition of juries represents the community the court serves, rather than just those who do not rule themselves out?

"Should we have a new level of criminal court for cases too serious for the Magistrates' Court but not serious enough for the full Crown Court?

"Should people acquitted of crimes be liable for fresh prosecution if new evidence comes to light?"

Entry to the series of discussions is by invitation only, and members of the public wishing to attend are invited to contact Joy Barraclough on (020) 7261 8588 or 8874.

You can read the full text of the Auld Review at

www.criminal-courts-review.org.uk