Record Crown Court Backlog Harms Victims' Access to Justice

A new report by the Victims Commissioner, Baroness Newlove, reveals alarming increases in crown court delays in England and Wales, with nearly half of victims experiencing trial adjournments. The backlog has nearly doubled in five years, reaching 73,105 cases by September 2024, resulting in severe emotional and psychological distress for victims of serious crimes such as rape and robbery. Many victims report being unable to work or turning to substance abuse as they await justice, with 23% of cases pending for over a year. Newlove emphasized that these delays not only prolong the judicial process but actively harm victims, leading them to feel that justice is 'out of reach.' She called for emergency funding for victim support services amidst cuts and a spending freeze, highlighting the impact of these delays on victims' lives and their ability to seek justice. The report underscores the urgent need for systemic reforms to alleviate the crisis in the court system and improve communication with victims.