One of the highest courts in the land has been accused of snubbing regional journalists after repeatedly rejecting a reporter’s bids to cover cases remotely.

Northamptonshire Telegraph journalist Kate Cronin has criticised the Court of Appeal, saying the institution is not being “realistic” towards journalists based outside of London.

Kate’s criticism came after her application to cover the appearance of a Corby-based human trafficker at the court on Tuesday via video link was rejected.

It was the second time she has had such an application rejected by the Court of Appeal, despite the fact that Courts and Tribunals Judiciary guidance allows remote access for journalists for any proceedings that are either held entirely in public or to which the media or researchers are admitted.

Kate, pictured, posted on X: “I had hoped to bring you news from the Court of Appeal today where a Corby human trafficker was appearing.

“No details were available so I don’t know the exact nature of the hearing. Unfortunately my request to watch on video link was ignored.

“This is the 2nd time in a row this has happened. It’s not realistic to expect local journalists to travel to London for what may well be a short administrative hearing (we have no way of knowing)

“So basically we’re in a situation where regional cases at the CoA cannot be covered.

“These cases happen every day and are currently going completely unreported by the local press.

“Watching on video link means the court clerk has to press a button and ask us our name. It’s not a laborious task.”

Kate told HTFP: “We do our best to cover these cases but with zero information available to reporters beforehand on what the case might entail, regional newsrooms simply do not have the resources to send a reporter to London on the off-chance that a court of appeal hearing might go ahead.