Staff at magistrates' courts in Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are being reminded to comply with guidance on giving information to the media.

Journalists from the Press Association claim staff at magistrates courts in all three areas often refused to answer inquiries by telephone.

Reporters have complained that the courts insist that requests have to be faxed to their offices, and that it can take up to 24 hours to respond to an inquiry.

Court staff apparently also often refuse to give information such as a defendants' address, claiming the Data Protection Act prohibits handing over such details.

Existing guidance on dealing with the media contains clear details of which information may and may not be given out and says that court staff should do their best to reply to inquiries as quickly as possible.

A courts service spokesman told Media Lawyer that the area directors for the three counties had been asked to revise their practices to bring them into line with guidance to staff on dealing with media inquiries.

He said: "HM Courts Service recognises the important role that the media plays in the Government's communication with the public and in the justice system.

"Media guidance is issued to court staff dealing regularly with the press. The HM Courts Service press office also advises court staff on media inquiries they receive about particular hearings and deals directly with the media on wider questions in order to maintain and develop a constructive relationship between courts and the media."