A police force is planning a high-profile presence at court buildings in a move aimed at tackling so-called "jury nobbling".

Merseyside Police said it was aware that jury members were sometimes intimidated into delivering verdicts favourable to defendants.

Assistant Chief Constable Graham Barker said an increased police presence at court buildings was among the solutions being considered.

The Crown Prosecution Service on Merseyside has also said it is doing more to help witnesses.

We are aware of the problem - we do want to support witnesses and we also want to support jurors

Graham Barker, Assistant Chief Constable, Merseyside Police

Mr Barker told BBC Radio Merseyside: "We are very aware of cases of jury nobbling, call it what you will.

"We think that a major response to cases of jury nobbling might be to increase the visibility of police officers in the crown court.

"I am just in the process of undertaking a major piece of work to see how we can effectively increase police visibility, in firstly the crown courts and secondly magistrates courts.

"We are aware of the problem. We do want to support witnesses and we also want to support jurors."

Mr Barker said police officers were encouraged to patrol courts in their areas.

Support for witnesses

They were also encouraged to walk into the crown court precincts in full uniform and give evidence in full police uniform, including batons and handcuffs.

He added: "They won't carry weapons in court unless under the direction of the judge, but they will wear full police uniform. They will be highly visible."

John Holt, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said more was being done to help witnesses.

He said: "Where we, for some reason, have to end up dropping a charge or take a plea to a lesser charge in a case, we now explain that personally to the victim.

"We write them an individual letter explaining what the reasons were for that decision in the case.

"In particularly sensitive cases, such as child abuse or some sexual cases, we will offer to meet the victim directly face to face to explain further the reasons for the decision."