Offenders on minor charges may soon cop on-the-spot fines and forgo court appearances as a state cost-saving measure OFFENDERS who urinate in public, steal, or are caught with cannabis may soon cop on-the-spot fines and forgo their day in court. The Commission of Audit overseen by former federal Liberal treasurer Peter Costello said too much money was spent on hearing trivial matters in magistrates courts and recommended several changes that would dramatically change how crimes are dealt with in Queensland. Mr Costello, a barrister before entering politics, recommended: More "ticketable" offences. Taking matters out of district and supreme courts and giving them to magistrates courts, which are cheaper to run. Allowing people to plead guilty online for simple and minor offences. Using video conferences more often so prisoners are not transported to court, and Re-prioritising court resources to cut down on delays in magistrates and childrens courts. The Newman Government said it accepted the proposals but broad consultation would be needed. Legal groups and criminal lawyers were yesterday cautious about some recommendations but dismissed others as being detrimental to the justice system. Most concerns were raised about online guilty pleas, saying there were too many ways for problems to arise. Criminal lawyer Bill Potts said re-prioritising court resources was code for shutting down regional court houses. However, he said there was merit in giving an on-the-spot fine for some offences and to some people who were not repeat offenders. " (Fines could be used for) people who shoplift a value less than $150, urinate in public or fail to leave a licensed premises - minor offences," Mr Potts said. He said the measures would further blow-out the State Penalties Enforcement Registry, which collects unpaid fines, but it would still be cheaper than having the matter heard in court. Queensland Bar Association vice-president Peter Davis, SC, said it did appear that magistrates courts were rubber-stamping simple pleas of guilty. Supreme Court Chief Justice Paul de Jersey said there was generally no need for a prisoner to attend at court except for a trial. Police estimated it cost them $3.5 million a year to transfer prisoners to watchhouse, jails and courts. I would like to see the sentencing of prisoners also routinely done by video link. There is no reason why sentencing by video link should be confined to minor offences," Justice de Jersey said. Mr Davis and Mr Potts disagreed, saying often lawyers had to take instruction from their clients at sentencing and doing so by video link could be problematic. Mr Potts said some victims also wanted to eyeball their perpetrators in court. "It's a justice system, it's not just about economic efficiencies," he said.