Backlog of North East court cases hits 2,500

MORE than 2,500 cases are waiting to be dealt with by North East courts as the country’s justice system struggles to tackle its huge crown court backlog.

- SOPHIE DOUGHTY

The law courts on Newcastle Quayside

New data reveals that the backlog of cases in England and Wales has risen to a record level.

At the end of June, the open case load was 78,329, up two 2% from 76,957 at the end of March, when the backlog passed 75,000 for the first time.

It is also up 10% from 70,893 a year earlier, according to Ministry of Justice figures.

In our region Newcastle Crown Court is facing a backlog of 2026 cases, while Durham Crown Court has 507 outstanding.

Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Secretary David Lammy has described the delays as “unacceptable”.

He said: “Today's statistics show the crown court backlog has hit a new record high and it lays bare the unacceptable wait victims face.

“That's why since we came to power we have invested a record amount into our courts so we can deliver swifter justice for victims.

“However, money alone cannot turn the tide on the rising backlog which is why we asked Sir Brian Leveson to propose bold and ambitious reform, to put our justice system back on sustainable ground”