Barrister strike having an impact at Cardiff Crown Court.
Dangerous driver due to be sentenced today has no barrister.
He looks bemused as the judge tells him: "There won't be one who can pick up your case for quite some time." #BarristerStrike
Dangerous driver due to be sentenced today has no barrister.
He looks bemused as the judge tells him: "There won't be one who can pick up your case for quite some time." #BarristerStrike
Asked if he knew about the strike, defendant says: "I thought it was all over and we were getting it done today."
Judge says he has option of a solicitor, but defendant replies: "No, I want a barrister please."
Judge says he has option of a solicitor, but defendant replies: "No, I want a barrister please."
Judge adjourns sentencing for 28 days but adds: "I'm plucking that out of the air. It's as good as any other figure."
With all-out strike to begin on September 5, he warns the case may be adjourned "week after week after week"
With all-out strike to begin on September 5, he warns the case may be adjourned "week after week after week"
Although today is not a strike day, "very few" barristers have taken on any new legal aid cases in weeks, the prosecutor tells me. This is why the defendant had no barrister for the scheduled sentencing.
Real-terms barrister incomes have fallen 30% in two decades. In the first three years of practice they make an annual average of £12,200 after expenses
Barrister @MissEmmaHarris told me recently: "I've seen the impact on friends who have found it isn't sustainable to do the job"
Barrister @MissEmmaHarris told me recently: "I've seen the impact on friends who have found it isn't sustainable to do the job"
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