"Spiralling backlogs mean a shocking 29 cases including violent crimes and drug offences have been scheduled to start as far away as 2030, with victims left waiting at least four years to have their day in court. In total, more than 2,600 Crown Court trials are not due to be heard until 2028, including 206 rape trials."
"Britain's former top judge, Lord John Thomas, told The Independent the delays "simply deny justice". Victims' commissioner Claire Waxman described the waits for victims as inhumane, adding there is evidence of court delays causing marriages to break down, people to lose their jobs or triggering the onset of stress-induced illness."
"The MoJ has warned the backlog could reach more than 200,000 by 2035, with justice minister Sarah Sackman KC admitting this week that the government needs to do nothing short of throwing the kitchen sink at the system in order to cut the backlog. She admitted things will get worse before they get better."
Britain's criminal justice system faces a severe crisis with massive trial backlogs. Ministry of Justice figures reveal 29 cases, including violent crimes and drug offences, scheduled to begin in 2030, with victims waiting at least four years for trial. Over 2,600 Crown Court trials are delayed until 2028, including 206 rape trials, while 625 additional trials are scheduled for 2029. The backlog affects victims severely, causing marriages to break down, job losses, and stress-induced illness. Justice Secretary David Lammy proposes controversial jury trial reforms to reduce the backlog of nearly 80,000 cases, though legal experts argue these measures are insufficient. Government officials warn the backlog could exceed 200,000 by 2035 without significant intervention.
Read at www.independent.co.uk
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