Getting justice is becoming an ordeal
Our courts service is in crisis and all too often, victims are paying the price. My report gives a voice to these victims.
This article was first published in The Telegraph, alongside an in-depth news article about the report, on 4 March 2025. Visit their website to read it.
Our Crown Courts play a crucial role in delivering justice for victims of the most serious crimes. It is in these courtrooms, up and down the country, that those who have suffered the devastating impact of offences such as murder, rape, and violent assaults have the opportunity to see justice served. But for too many, getting justice is becoming an ordeal.
The number of cases in the Crown Court has reached new and unprecedented levels. In September 2024, the backlog was nearly 74,000 cases, twice the level before Covid.
Today, I have published a report that looks at the impact the court backlog – and ever-increasing delays – are having on victims. The findings are stark: almost half (48 per cent) of the victims I heard from who had been given a trial date, had seen it rearranged at least once. Indeed, many victims have had to cope with multiple adjournments spanning several years, forcing them to prepare for the ordeal of giving evidence in court only to be let down by the system again and again.
I found that the lengthy waits for justice are taking a heavy toll on many victims. They are left frustrated and in the dark, with some even regretting having engaged with the system in the first place. Some also pointed out the obvious, that delays prevented them from giving the best evidence as memories fade with the passage of time.
Held in a state of uncertainty, victims said they were unable to move on with their lives and begin their recovery. Some reported using drugs or alcohol – and others self-harmed. I heard from victims who felt suicidal, with some even attempting to act upon those thoughts.
To make matters worse, victims told me they often learnt about adjournments at the last minute, in some cases without explanation. This intensified their feelings of helplessness.
Against this backdrop, it is no surprise many victims, worn down by delays, are giving up on getting justice and simply withdrawing their support. This means offenders go unpunished and are free to reoffend. Society, not just victims, ultimately bears the consequences of a justice system that fails to deliver.
So, what am I asking for?
Firstly, good communication is crucial if victims are to have confidence in the justice system. This is why I want the Government to look at how it can provide victims with a single point of contact – a dedicated person or service – to provide clear updates and consistent support.
Secondly, victim support services help victims cope, stay engaged, and continue their pursuit of justice despite the delays. Yet, as court wait times lengthen, victim services – already stretched – are facing enormous pressure. I am concerned that core funding for victims’ services will be cut by 4.2 per cent next month, forcing service providers to close waiting lists and lay off staff.
I am calling on the Government to reverse this cut and provide emergency funding to keep support services going through this period of crisis. I realise government finances are under strain, and I do not want to take money away from other stretched public services.
Instead, I am calling on offenders to pick up the bill. There is over a billion pounds in unpaid fines, court compensation and victim surcharges. We need to crack down on fine defaulters and make it clear they will never be able to shirk their obligations. A fraction of this unpaid money would be enough to cover the costs of victim services.
Finally, I am calling for an independent courts inspectorate to scrutinise the operation of our courts and to hold them to account when services are inefficient or fail to communicate effectively with victims and witnesses. Given the scale of the challenge facing our court, this needs to happen quickly.
Our courts service is in crisis and all too often, victims are paying the price. My report gives a voice to these victims. I hope the Government will listen and act.
- Read the news story
- Access the full report