Crown court backlog in England and Wales hits new record of almost 80,000 cases

"The crown court backlog in England and Wales has risen by 10% to a new record of almost 80,000 cases, as wait times for trial dates have reached up to four years. Figures from the Ministry of Justice showed the open caseload was 78,329 at the end of June, up 2% from 76,957 at the end of March, the first time the backlog passed 75,000. It is also up 10% from 70,893 a year earlier, the figures show."

"It said courts were dealing with cases more quickly but not fast enough to keep up with growing number of cases. It noted a 13% increase in sexual offences reaching court, a 14% increase in robberies and a 12% rise in drug offences compared with the previous year. The number of rape cases reaching court hit a peak of 1,291 representing a 21% increase on the previous year, the report said."

"The number of cases in the backlog involving sexual offences rose year on year from 11,062 to 13,238, an increase of 20%, while cases for violence against the person increased from 21,150 to 24,364, up 15%. David Lammy, the justice secretary said victims of crime were waiting too long for justice. Lammy, who is also the deputy prime minister, said: Today's statistics show the crown court backlog has hit a new record high and it lays bare the unacceptable wait victims face."

Crown court open caseload reached 78,329 at the end of June, a 10% rise year-on-year and a 2% increase since March. Median age-length of open cases increased 10% year-on-year but fell slightly from the previous quarter. Cases open a year or more peaked at 19,164, a 17% annual rise. More than 30,000 cases entered crown courts in the latest quarter, outpacing the courts' processing speed. Sexual offences, robberies and drug offences reaching court rose substantially, with rape cases hitting 1,291 (up 21%). Backlog cases involving sexual offences rose 20% and violence against the person rose 15%.

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