No easy fix for broken justice system

MY SECOND job in journalism was as court reporter for the South Wales Evening Post. My time was mainly spent in Swansea's magistrates' and crown courts, day in, day out.

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I didn't know Swansea when I arrived. I'd been there on a week's work experience and that was about it.

By the end of my time there, while I'd developed an affection for Joe's, La Parmingiana deli and the Brunswick pub, I also had a fairly intimate knowledge of the court system and its workings.

Even then, it was clear there were serious problems.

You'd see prosecutors being handed papers just before a case was called; missing statements or documents; probation officers overstretched and having to squeeze in reports just before sentences; court staff running between courts to ensure people were in the right places at the right time.

There were delays with trials, hearings and sentencings, which aren't good for anyone, and long sitting days, putting extra demands on all levels of staff.

And all that's before you get to the wider issues about reoffending, prison conditions, the process for victims... In short, the system was broken when I watched it every day. Now it's shattered.

There are almost 77,000 cases waiting for trial in the crown court system in England and Wales, meaning some defendants and victims are waiting years for justice.

That is no good for anyone.

As time goes on, a witness' ability to remember details changes.

As time goes on, defendants are waiting in prison.