More than two dozen criminal trials in England and Wales have been scheduled as far away as 2030, as the justice system grapples with a record backlog. Figures obtained via a freedom of information request show 29 cases, including violent crimes and drug offences, will not be heard for at least four years.
In total, over 2,600 Crown Court trials are listed for 2028, among them 206 rape trials. A further 625 trials are set for 2029, including 14 sexual offence cases, four of which are for alleged rape. Victims' commissioner Claire Waxman described the delays as 'inhumane', adding that victims often see marriages break down, lose jobs, or develop stress-related illnesses while waiting.
Former Lord Chief Justice Lord John Thomas said the delays 'simply deny justice and are unacceptable'. He urged the government to implement recommendations from a recent report by Sir Brian Leveson before making changes to jury trials. Justice secretary David Lammy has introduced legislation to curb jury trials for cases with a likely sentence of under three years, despite opposition from the Bar Council, which says there is 'little evidence' it will reduce the backlog.
The Ministry of Justice has warned the backlog could reach 200,000 cases by 2035 if action is not taken. Justice minister Sarah Sackman KC admitted the government needs to 'throw the kitchen sink' at the system, funding unlimited court sitting days, 'Blitz courts', and increased use of AI. However, Waxman cautioned that these measures are not a 'silver bullet' due to frequent adjournments on the day of trial.
