Virtual reality technology is being deployed to help crime victims prepare to give evidence in court.

Belfast-based tech firm Immersonal has developed the software, which is set to roll out across 52 courts in Scotland next year. It is also undergoing a pilot in The Hague as part of the International Criminal Court. The technology allows victims to interact with key members of judicial proceedings within a virtual environment. Tom Houston, CEO of Immersonal, states the primary goal is to make the courtroom experience less traumatic by giving victims greater information about what to expect.

“Going to court can be intimidating, but this technology lets you walk through a 3D world that recreates the actual courthouse where the case will be heard,” he said. “You can interact within the virtual environment, which includes people and objects you will encounter during your case.”

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The technology enables victims to interact with key participants in judicial proceedings inside the virtual world. Using a headset, users navigate the virtual courtroom and can click on figures such as the court clerk, who will explain their role. A team of virtual reality specialists founded Immersonal in 2021.

Their core objective is to develop affordable ways for organisations and individuals with limited technical expertise to create their own virtual reality experiences and training simulations. The company has since secured a £5 million contract with the Scottish Government to deliver virtual reality services in courts over the coming months.

“Victims Need Support”

The virtual reality courtroom programme is not yet operational in Northern Ireland. 360-degree panoramic views of courts across Northern Ireland are available online via the Victims Support NI website. Former Victims Support chief executive Geraldine Hanna was appointed one of Northern Ireland’s first Crime Victims Commissioners last year.

Ms Hanna said while the 360-degree court views offer valuable insight into court buildings, she sees huge potential for VR to enhance and improve the experience for victims. She added: “It is vitally important that victims receive as much information and support as possible ahead of a trial. The development of virtual reality within the criminal justice system feels like the next step forward to help improve victim experiences.”

A spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Courts and Tribunals Service (NICTS) commented: “NICTS is committed to working closely with our partners to deliver appropriate support for victims and witnesses when they are required to attend court at a challenging time in their lives. In some circumstances, the Department of Justice also puts measures in place to allow vulnerable victims and witnesses to give evidence away from the courtroom setting, for example at remote evidence centres.”

“A Traumatic Experience”

Charles Little was the first person on scene when his parents-in-law were murdered at home by a mentally ill individual. In May 2017, 83-year-old Michael and Marjorie Cowdrill were killed in a frenzied knife attack in Portadown, County Armagh.

Mr Little said: “When I arrived, the perpetrator nearly ran me over while escaping in the family car, so it was clearly an extremely distressing experience.

“But while the trauma began with the incident, dealing with the criminal justice system meant the trauma continued.” In October 2018, Thomas Scott McKnight, who suffers from paranoid schizophrenia, was jailed for a minimum of 10 years. Mr Little recalled: “That court case was my first time inside a courtroom, and it was completely overwhelming. It felt like everyone knew what they were doing except my family and me.” Mr Little believes the potential of virtual reality to improve victim experiences within the justice system should be explored further. “Certainly from what I have heard about this technology, being able to interact and have people explain their roles, I think it would be incredibly helpful,” he said. “It is about ensuring victims are able to act as witnesses during trials, and we should embrace anything that helps achieve that.”