The Society of Editors is backing calls for reform of a system under which single magistrates can hear cases behind closed doors based on written evidence alone.

The Single Justice Procedure (SJP) was introduced in 2015 in a bid to streamline prosecutions of crimes such as fare evasion and speeding.

However it has come under scrutiny after a number of newspaper investigations found examples of elderly pensioners, cancer patients, and people with severe learning difficulties being convicted and fined in behind-closed-doors hearings.

Now the SoE has backed calls by the Magistrates’ Association for reform of the procedure, saying that it is vital that accredited journalists are allowed to observe sittings if public confidence is to be restored in the system.

Executive director Dawn Alford said: “At a time when there has been a significant move in recent years by the justice system to allow wider reporting in areas which, historically, have been private in nature, it seems at odds with the principle of open justice that SJP cases continue to be heard behind closed doors.

“Alongside consideration of the public interest and additional investment in training, it is vital that accredited journalists are allowed to observe SJP sittings if the public is to feel confident that the system is being used fairly and transparently.”

The Association, which represents Justices of the Peace across England and Wales, is urging the Ministry of Justice to adopt a 12-point plan including opening up hearings to accredited journalists and considering the public interest before cases come to court.

National chairman Mark Beattie JP said: ‘We believe that the principle of the Single Justice Procedure is good. Every year it spares thousands of defendants the ordeal of having to attend court for minor offences, and it allows for more efficient use of court time, which means speedier justice and a focus on more serious offences.

“However, it is not a perfect system. While the vast majority of cases are handled effectively by the SJP, our members – magistrates who decide on SJP cases – have told us about flaws in the way it operates and the harm that this can have on some of society’s most vulnerable people.

“It is clear to us that reform, as well as additional investment in training and transparency, is needed to restore public confidence in the Single Justice Procedure.”