Solicitors for the defence in Medway formed a picket line last Thursday in a protest over cuts in legal aid.

Legal advisers from across the Towns stood outside Medway Magistrates’ Court in a bid to highlight the plight of defendants who cannot pay for legal advice.

The group of about 14 solicitors agree the cuts will lead to the most vulnerable people not being represented in the dock.

The protest was led by solicitor Wayne Crowhurst,who works at both the Medway and Dartford Magistrates’ Courts.

He said law firms are now refusing to take on legally aided work as the cuts mean solicitors will be working for much less.

The action comes in response to cuts in the last 12 months of 17.5% from fees which have not increased in more than a decade.

Those who cannot pay for their own legal advice will only get free help by the court duty solicitor on the first occasion.

If they have to appear more than once, they will either have to find the cash to pay for legal advice or represent themselves.

The government plans further cuts to legal aid in January next year.

Mr Crowhurst added: “This really is a last resort. We have tried to speak to the government for over three years. These cuts will leave the vulnerable un-represented facing the might of the state.

“The cuts also come at a time where the head of the Legal Aid Agency has accepted a substantial pay rise.”