Four criminal justice watchdogs have concerns over the “unprecedented and very serious” court case backlog in England and Wales, due to the covid-19 pandemic.
In a joint report, inspectorates for policing, prisons, probation, and prosecutions claim that “unprecedented and very serious court backlogs constitute the greatest risk to criminal justice and the ripple effects across all agencies are profound.”
It comes as figures revealed the backlog in the crown courts has reached approximately 54,000 unheard cases, while magistrates’ courts were roughly 403,000.
The report comes as the Bar Council, which represents 17,000 barristers, called for a financial injection to increase the capacity for hearings and thereby cutting the backlog of cases. They are asking for an extra £55 million to help improve the courts.
Justin Russell, the chief inspector of probation, said: “The Covid-19 pandemic has meant severe delays and numerous cancellations throughout 2020, and this has had a negative impact on everyone involved.”
“Witnesses will find it difficult to recall events that took place many months ago, and prosecutors waste significant periods of time preparing for cases that do not go ahead.”

The inspectorates, although praising the commitment of staff, highlighted that the lengthy delays to all stages of the criminal justice system “benefit no-one and risk damage to many.”
The CPS has said that safely reducing the backlog was “vital” to easing pressure on prosecutors, and that “we are working urgently with partners to achieve this.”
According to the report, the number of ongoing cases in crown courts was 44% higher in December compared with February last year, while some cases are already being scheduled for 2022.
The Government has said it will be investing £450 million to “boost recovery in the courts and deliver swifter justice.”