In the same quarter, according to government figures released last week, the backlog in the magistrates’ court jumped to a record high of 370,222 cases, up 2% on the previous quarter and 11% on the previous year.
Courts minister Sarah Sackman said ‘structural reform’ was needed as, ‘at this pace, it could take nearly 300 years to clear’ the backlog. The Courts and Tribunals Bill, currently making its way through Parliament, aims to speed up the courts by sending thousands more cases to the magistrates’ courts and restricting the right to trial by jury in the Crown Court.
However, Bar chair Kirsty Brimelow KC said: ‘The evidence is clear: more sitting days, intense targeted listing of offences with vulnerable witnesses, complainants or defendants and improved infrastructure reduce waiting times and decrease the backlog.
‘Increasing legal aid helps the retention of barristers to prosecute and defend. There is no necessity to hack at the important constitutional principle of a jury trial.’
The Bar Council argued the quarterly figures suggest the backlog will continue to grow in the magistrates’ court, with 386,056 receipts compared to 380,082 disposals.
Criminal defence lawyer Marcus Johnstone, managing director at PCD Solicitors, agreed, ‘it is surely glaringly obvious that ministers’ plans to massively increase the burden on magistrates’ courts is nonsensical considering how overburdened they already are’.
Law Society vice president Brett Dixon said: ‘Despite the slight drop in Crown Court cases, rising pressure in the magistrates’ courts shows the system remains under serious strain.
‘It’s time to scrap headline grabbing plans to reduce jury trials and focus on the investments and reforms which will really make a difference.’
