The London Assembly has today written to the Justice Secretary on the current backlog of criminal cases in the Crown Court system.
Chair of the London Assembly Police & Crime Committee, Unmesh Desai AM, said:
“Understandably, COVID-19 has placed immense strain on criminal justice systems across the UK. However, the current backlog of cases is reaching an unacceptable level and urgent action is needed.
“The Police and Crime Committee heard from the Met Police recently on its targeted approach to taking serious offenders off the streets of London. It’s urgent that these alleged criminals are brought to justice as soon as possible as time delays to cases add pressure to victims, witnesses, and defendants.
“As we adapt to the new normal, the Government must ensure that criminal justice systems are dealing with serious offenders swiftly and effectively so that the public can see justice being done.”
Related documents
London Assembly letter to MOJ
Notes to editors
- The letter is attached.
- Unmesh Desai AM, Chair of the Police & Crime Committee is available for interview.
- Find out more about the work of the Police & Crime Committee.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
For media enquiries, please contact Aoife Nolan on 020 7983 4067. For out of hours media enquiries, call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the London Assembly duty press officer. Non-media enquiries should be directed to the Public Liaison Unit on 020 7983 4100.