CROWN COURT BACKLOG: KEY NUMBERS AND TRENDS

THE backlog of cases waiting to be completed in crown courts in England and Wales is at a record high, with sexual offences accounting for a growing proportion of cases with the longest delays. Here we looks at the key numbers and trends behind the backlog, using latest available figures from the Ministry of Justice.

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How large is the overall backlog?

There were 78,329 ‘outstanding cases in the crown court system in England and Wales as of June 30, 2025.

This is a record high and is up 10% from 70,893 a year earlier. The backlog has more than doubled in the past six years, having stood at 34,184 in June 2019.

How long have cases been in the backlog?

There were 19,164 cases in June 2025 that had been open for at least a year, up 17% from 16,378 a year earlier. It is the highest number of cases open for at least 12 months since current data began.

Some 5,913 cases had been open for at least two years. This number peaked at 6,298 in April-June 2023, since when it has fallen slightly.

How long are defendants waiting for cases to be completed?