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EXC - FOI figures obtained by #Newsnight show over 300 outstanding crown court cases been waiting 4 yrs or more for a conclusion as of Sept last yr. Data for cases in Eng & Wales reveals most up to date figures on long delays facing victims & defendants. 173 cases remain .. 1/6
stuck in system after 6 yrs. @TheCriminalBar calls it “crisis”. Says more barristers needed to deal with backlog. Analysis of MoJ data shows 118 sexual offence cases adjourned on the day cos no barristers available btw Oct & Dec 2022 - 10 fold increase over same time in 2021. 2/6
Lawyers say most cases covered by FOI will be bail cases - they have no deadline but ppl put on remand must have case heard by certain time. Means bail cases repeatedly adjourned & pushed to back of queue with newer trials taking priority causing delays. 3/6
There are more than 62 thousand outstanding crown court cases. @neill_bob says it’s down to “underinvestment for decades”. Says same maintenance issues in courts (eg leaky ceilings & no working toilets) causing closures have been there since he was barrister in 2008. 4/6
Urges govt for more funding. MoJ says many cases complex & take long time to prosecute. Says opened more courts & enabled remote hearings which means “average prosecution now completed within 10 months & falling”. Away from facts & figs, impact on those waiting 5/6
can be devastating. Tee was assaulted by ex bf - case delayed 6 times. She told us “I found it like torture. It just felt like a constant nightmare”. #Newsnight piece tonight made by excellent team; producer @lharriswhite & cameraman @Liamweir14. Tonight 1030pm 6/6
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