A NEW multi-million pound military court centre at Bulford Camp has been officially unveiled by the armed forces' top brass.

The state-of-the-art complex, five years in the planning, is described a "quantum leap" forward in terms of the services and facilities available to military justice.

And it will be put to the test when the world's media descends on the courts-martial next month for its debut case, as British troops face charges of war crimes for the first time.

The £3.8m centre, which contains two courtrooms and will be used by all three branches of the armed services, includes special facilities for young and vulnerable witnesses.

Full support services and two water gardens have been also provided to help relax witnesses.

Previously those services were only available at one court in the country, in Colchester.

A high-tech video link system means witnesses can give evidence from anywhere in the world via a satellite link, saving both time and money for the forces and individuals concerned.

Manager of the courts, Lieutenant Colonel (retired) Ray Aldis, is delighted with the new building, which replaces the old courtrooms used for 35 years.

The former buildings fell foul of new human rights and disability discrimination legislation, and starting afresh has allowed the chance to incorporate technological advances.

"This building brings the criminal justice system into the 21st century, and this is a great day for me and my staff who have spent years in boiling portable cabins," said Lt Col Aldis.

"Video conferencing is used extensively in all courts, but more so with the military because of cost issues.

"You can't compel civilians to come back (to this country) for a trial. However if you offer them the chance of doing it by video they often say yes so it improves the justice system."

Lt Col Aldis says his team is looking forward to a "baptism of fire" for the trial of seven soldiers one a corporal - accused of "inhuman treatment of persons", which begins on September 4.

"We believe it will be the biggest court-martial in recent history there will be seven defence teams, but we can accommodate them all," he said.

"We've got five weeks to get ready and there's a lot of hard work to be done, but we've got the experience in the court service and the ability to cope."