A scheme to accelerate trials, previously known as 'Blitz Courts', is being rolled out nationwide to address the Crown Court backlog. Judges, supported by court staff, are using this initiative to help cut delays that have left victims waiting for justice.
The scheme groups similar cases together over a short, intensive period, focusing judicial expertise, prosecutors' time, and court staff knowledge to resolve cases more quickly. Following the Government's decision to un-cap Crown Court sitting days, judges can now accelerate domestic abuse, drug, and knife crime cases at sites including the Old Bailey, Snaresbrook, Croydon Crown Court, and courts in Liverpool, Preston, and Nottingham.
Minister for Courts, Sarah Sackman KC MP, stated that changes are being made to cut delays and get courts moving faster. The scheme has shown results at the Old Bailey over the summer, assisting in clearing a backlog of nearly 500 assaults on emergency workers, with almost 50 per cent of these cases concluded.
Its success has led judges to accelerate cases involving possession of a bladed article. The expansion coincides with the return of the Courts and Tribunals Bill to Parliament this week, where the Government plans to amend the Bill to remove proposals to limit jury trials.