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Evidence cuts are harming justice system, says defence barrister
Serious criminal court prosecutions are being delayed as Government cuts leave a cash-strapped judicial system unable to pay Crown Court judges to hear cases, it emerged yesterday.
A top judge apologised for the delays after a leading barrister told how many cases are being postponed and courts left unused as the Ministry of Justice battles £2 billion of cuts. The delays have resulted in a number of courtrooms being left empty while defendants languish in custody awaiting trial.
Defence barrister Ian Kelcey claims the justice system could “come crashing down” unless the problem is urgently addressed.
Mr Kelcey, a senior partner at Kelcey and Hall in Bristol, was told a private case he was working on last week had to be delayed because they didn’t have a judge. The lawyer claims the delays are having a detrimental effect on witnesses, victims and defendants.
He said: “As I understand it, the Ministry of Justice is limiting the amount of days each court centre can sit part-time judges, which are called recorders.
“The result of this is that we have empty courts, as we have now in Bristol Crown Court.
“It means that this is having an effect on delaying justice. It has a bad effect on witnesses and victims, as well as upon defendants. The cutbacks within the courts, the number of staff that have been made redundant, is all having a dramatic impact.
“Something has to give and something has to change very quickly. Otherwise I’m afraid the justice system will come crashing down.”
One bar clerk, who did not want to be named, said: “It is an outrageous shambles and bar clerks are concerned there will be a knock-on effect of the fixtures not being honoured.”
The Recorder of Bristol, Judge Neil Ford QC, apologised for the problem, describing it as “the way of the world”.
But despite the criticism, Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service has defended the situation, claiming sitting days at the court have been reduced by just ten days this year.
A spokesperson said: “The HMCTS Board and senior judiciary will monitor workload and performance levels throughout the financial year to ensure standards are being maintained.”
However, the cutbacks have affected a number of cases in recent weeks including one involving top lawyer William Clegg QC, who defended Jo Yeates’ killer Vincent Tabak at Bristol Crown Court last year.
Mr Clegg had to be turned away from the court last week, with his current client having to wait until September before he can face trial.
He later described the situation as a “curious way of saving money”.
RF: Ian is actually a solicitor advocate as far as I know - I recommend him to people in the Bristol area.
Interesting comment from William Clegg QC, at the end!
Evidence cuts are harming justice system, says defence barrister
Serious criminal court prosecutions are being delayed as Government cuts leave a cash-strapped judicial system unable to pay Crown Court judges to hear cases, it emerged yesterday.
A top judge apologised for the delays after a leading barrister told how many cases are being postponed and courts left unused as the Ministry of Justice battles £2 billion of cuts. The delays have resulted in a number of courtrooms being left empty while defendants languish in custody awaiting trial.
Defence barrister Ian Kelcey claims the justice system could “come crashing down” unless the problem is urgently addressed.
Mr Kelcey, a senior partner at Kelcey and Hall in Bristol, was told a private case he was working on last week had to be delayed because they didn’t have a judge. The lawyer claims the delays are having a detrimental effect on witnesses, victims and defendants.
He said: “As I understand it, the Ministry of Justice is limiting the amount of days each court centre can sit part-time judges, which are called recorders.
“The result of this is that we have empty courts, as we have now in Bristol Crown Court.
“It means that this is having an effect on delaying justice. It has a bad effect on witnesses and victims, as well as upon defendants. The cutbacks within the courts, the number of staff that have been made redundant, is all having a dramatic impact.
“Something has to give and something has to change very quickly. Otherwise I’m afraid the justice system will come crashing down.”
One bar clerk, who did not want to be named, said: “It is an outrageous shambles and bar clerks are concerned there will be a knock-on effect of the fixtures not being honoured.”
The Recorder of Bristol, Judge Neil Ford QC, apologised for the problem, describing it as “the way of the world”.
But despite the criticism, Her Majesty’s Courts and Tribunals Service has defended the situation, claiming sitting days at the court have been reduced by just ten days this year.
A spokesperson said: “The HMCTS Board and senior judiciary will monitor workload and performance levels throughout the financial year to ensure standards are being maintained.”
However, the cutbacks have affected a number of cases in recent weeks including one involving top lawyer William Clegg QC, who defended Jo Yeates’ killer Vincent Tabak at Bristol Crown Court last year.
Mr Clegg had to be turned away from the court last week, with his current client having to wait until September before he can face trial.
He later described the situation as a “curious way of saving money”.
RF: Ian is actually a solicitor advocate as far as I know - I recommend him to people in the Bristol area.
Interesting comment from William Clegg QC, at the end!