STORY
The UK Government has announced it will fund an additional 1,250 Crown Court sitting days this year, bringing the total to 111,250 days, the highest level on record, in a bid to reduce the backlog of criminal cases and deliver swifter justice for victims.
Justice Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy said the backlog inherited by the current administration exceeds 78,000 cases, meaning many victims wait three to four years for their trial. He described the new investment as the biggest on record under the government’s Plan for Change, while admitting that long-term reform will also be required.
Lammy said in a statement:
“The Crown Court backlog we inherited stands at over 78,000 and behind each case is a real person, waiting years for justice. That is why we are acting with the biggest investment on record as part of our Plan for Change. An additional 1,250 sitting days will be allocated to the Crown Court this financial year, allowing it to hear many extra cases. We know there is more to do, and generational reform that cannot wait, but this investment will help ease the torment and bring swifter justice to many more victims.”