Sexual Offences Timeliness of Cases 2022-02-08
2022-02-08
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from concerns about the timeliness and justice for victims in cases of sexual offences, particularly given recent data showing delays in the Crown court backlog.
What recent assessment has been made of the timeliness of cases involving allegations of sexual offences? According to the latest figures, 23% of cases waiting in the Crown court backlog have been outstanding for over a year. The National Audit Office highlights that rape and serious sexual offence cases are disproportionately affected by these delays.
The Crown court backlog is beginning to decrease following a £250 million investment by the Government. Recent timeliness data shows slight improvement in adult rape cases from the second quarter of last year, but significant work remains. The national scorecards provide detailed transparency and accountability for all stages of the criminal justice system response.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address whether victims should wait years or if delays indicate a loss of grip on tackling serious crime
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The Crown court backlog has increased, affecting rape and serious sexual offence cases disproportionately. A new Nightingale court is set to close soon despite high delays in criminal cases.
Why is the Monument Nightingale court closing when delays in criminal cases have reached a record high? What are the Department's plans for remaining or new Nightingale courts and how long will this resource be available?
32 Nightingale Crown courtrooms have been extended until April, with two new super-courtrooms opened in Manchester and Loughborough. The outstanding case load in the Crown court has reduced from 61,000 cases last June to around 58,700 at end of November.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address why Monument Nightingale court is closing or confirm specific plans and availability for existing/new Nightingale courts
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The closure of the Monument Nightingale court is unexpected given recent record-high delays in criminal cases, including serious sexual offences.
Why is the Monument Nightingale court closing when delays in criminal cases have reached a record high? What are the Department's plans for remaining or new Nightingale courts and how long will this resource be available?
32 Nightingale Crown courtrooms have been extended until April, with two new super-courtrooms opened in Manchester and Loughborough. The outstanding case load in the Crown court has reduced from 61,000 cases last June to around 58,700 at end of November.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not directly address why Monument Nightingale court is closing or confirm specific plans and availability for existing/new Nightingale courts
Response accuracy