Court case backlog could take up to a decade to clear

THE backlog of court cases, which is increasing each day during the coronavirus pandemic, could now take 10 years to clear, the Crown Prosecution Service watchdog has warned.

Her Majesty’s Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate carried out an inspection to look at the CPS’S handling of the pandemic after lockdown measures were imposed in March.

In a report published today, it warned there were challenges to come with the backlog of cases, which are increasing daily, with some estimates indicating that it could take up to a decade to clear.

It estimated that trial backlogs in the magistrates’ courts have increased by 32 per cent between the beginning of March and early May, from 12,100 to 16,000.

In the Crown Court, the estimated increase is 43 per cent, from 17,400 to 24,900, in the same time period.

By the end of May, the increase in backlogs was 41 per cent in the magistrates’ courts and 53 per cent in the Crown Court. The report states: “Court sittings and courtroom capacity with social distancing requirements will not allow for reduction of the existing backlog.

“Some estimates show that the current scale of increase in the backlog would take 10 years to clear at pre-pandemic rates.”

It continued: “Without some innovative thinking and solutions, the challenge

‘The challenge of addressing the backlog is likely to be more complex than dealing with the immediate crisis’

of addressing the backlog is likely to be much more complex than dealing with the immediate crisis.”

Inspectors virtually visited three CPS areas in the West Midlands, North West and Wessex, between March 16 and May 8. The CPS was praised by inspectors for its “effective and sound” actions, which ensured the smooth running of the criminal justice system before and during the lockdown.

Court staff told inspectors they were being supported by their managers, as they received regular communication.