The six-month barristers' strike in Northern Ireland has left a devastating trail of delayed justice, affecting 2,457 Crown Court cases. The prolonged industrial action, which lasted from January to June, has caused "additional trauma" for victims and witnesses, according to Victim Support NI.
Data obtained by BBC News NI from the Department of Justice reveals that the strike had a disproportionate impact on cases involving individuals requiring legal aid, with 415 trials, 1,563 arraignments, and 479 plea and sentencing hearings affected. The dispute was sparked by criminal barristers' concerns over stagnant legal aid fees, which have remained unchanged for two decades.
Nichola Green, Deputy Chief Executive of Victim Support Northern Ireland, highlighted the human cost of these delays. "Victims and witnesses often experience sleepless nights, panic attacks, intrusive memories, and difficulty concentrating as they prepare for court," she explained. The repeated adjournments and subsequent reliving of the process can be particularly distressing, forcing them to mentally prepare all over again.
The dispute was resolved earlier this month when Justice Minister Naomi Long agreed to accept recommendations from a review of criminal legal aid, including an 8.66% increase to all criminal legal aid fees. Following this agreement, 66% of the Criminal Bar Association's members voted to return to full service on 18th June, bringing an end to the escalated withdrawal of services.
The Criminal Bar Association stated that their action was a "last resort" in response to a "deepening access to justice crisis." They have committed to working with criminal justice partners to advance those cases impacted by the strike. Justice Minister Naomi Long has pledged to prioritise vulnerable individuals and ensure cases are dealt with promptly, with recovery plans focusing on victims and witnesses who have been affected.