Criminal courts charge to be scrapped from December 24

A controversial courts charge levied on criminals is to be scrapped within weeks, Michael Gove has confirmed.

The fees, which can range from from £150 to £1,200, will no longer apply from December 24, the Justice Secretary said.

He also announced a review into the "entire structure and purpose" of court-ordered financial sanctions for offenders.

The criminal courts charge was introduced by Mr Gove's predecessor Chris Grayling during the coalition government to help towards the running of the courts system.

But it has provoked intense criticism, with more than 50 magistrates understood to have resigned in protest.