A local defence lawyer is calling for the release of some inmates from custody in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Courts across the country, including here in Newfoundland and Labrador, have scaled back operations considerably.

Bob Buckingham is calling for expedited bail hearings for those in custody who are awaiting bail.

He wants to see judges who are now freed up from trials, to be assigned by the provincial court to hear bail hearings. That’s with the intention that those in custody and awaiting a bail hearing be released.

Buckingham is also calling for the release of those on intermittent sentences be given immediate temporary absences.

He’s also calling for temporary release of non-violent offenders.

On a 60-day temporary release which a superintendent is permitted to do under the Correctional Services Act.