DEFENDANTS will now be asked their nationality at their first appearance in England and Wales magistrates’ courts to aid the Government’s drive to deport more foreign criminals.

Last week clerks at Swindon Magistrates’ Court told those in the dock for the first time that the court was obliged to request the information.

Defendants are already asked to state their full name, date of birth and address to confirm their identity.

If they now fail to disclose their nationality they could be imprisoned for up to a year.

The change came into effect on November 13 after being introduced under section 162 of the Policing And Crime Act 2017.

It now forms part of the Criminal Procedure Rules which govern how courts are run and cases are managed.

The move has been criticised by civil liberties organisations for bringing border controls into courtrooms and potentially prejudicing trials.

Visit the website at www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2017/3/section/162/enacted to find out the full details of the new legislation.