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A trial has been delayed for over three and a half years, marking what is believed to be the longest postponement due to the Crown Court backlog. The current backlog stands at 73,105 cases.
In March 2019, the backlog was at a historic low of 33,290. However, cuts to the criminal justice system, including fewer sitting days for judges and a shortage of criminal barristers, have caused it to rise again. It is now common for defendants to face jury trials two years after their initial magistrates’ court appearance.
This week, the investigative court reporting blog Mouse in The Court revealed that a defendant at Snaresbrook Crown Court (pictured) has been waiting 43 months for his trial.
The defendant, a 31-year-old man, is accused of threatening members of the public with a machete in Tower Hamlets, London, charges he denies. He was granted conditional bail with a GPS tag and informed that the next available trial date for non-custody cases is 16 October 2028. The trial is expected to last two to three days.
When asked if they were available for the trial date, the defendant’s counsel quipped, "I won’t have retired by then."
Judge Charles Falk reacted with surprise upon hearing the trial date, saying, "Wow. That is the furthest away I have ever set a trial date, but that is the reality of the Crown Court backlog."
Addressing the defendant, the judge apologized: "I’m sorry we can’t try you sooner for what is a serious matter. I recognize this will put your life on hold, and I regret that."
He also added, "We will need a pre-trial review to ensure everyone is still alive."
