Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Covid-19: Remand on Bail

Tuesday 28 April 2020 · 2 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Minister discussed with the Director of Public Prosecutions the management of people remanded on bail during the COVID-19 outbreak.
  • The CPS is reviewing all cases with approaching trial dates to prioritize serious and time-sensitive cases while ensuring bail conditions remain suitable.
  • Each Crown court case is individually assessed for risks and adherence to statutory limits regarding bail conditions.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Kerry McCarthy Lab Bristol East
Crime & Law Enforcement Justice & Courts
Context

The question arises from concerns about the handling of cases involving individuals on bail during the pandemic, given an existing backlog of over 37,400 Crown court cases.

Question

What discussions has she had with the Director of Public Prosecutions on CPS management of people remanded on bail during the COVID-19 outbreak?

Answer from Suella Braverman

Our focus is to ensure that the most dangerous offenders are dealt with as a priority. All cases with an approaching trial date, including bail cases, are under review to prioritise serious and time-sensitive cases for trial while ensuring any bail conditions remain suitable.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific discussions with the Director of Public Prosecutions were not detailed.

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Q2 Kerry McCarthy Lab Bristol East
Crime & Law Enforcement Justice & Courts
Context

The question addresses the need for expediting bail hearings for those who do not require remand in custody, aiming to alleviate pressure on prisons dealing with coronavirus.

Question

Given a backlog of over 37,400 Crown court cases before the COVID-19 outbreak, what is the CPS doing to expedite bail hearings and release people into the community when safe?

Answer from Suella Braverman

Each case needs to be assessed on individual facts, including risks of further offending or absconding. There are statutory limits underpinning the conditions that can be imposed, and defendants have a right to apply for variation or removal of bail conditions. The CPS is working with the judiciary to consider options for restarting trials while maintaining social distancing.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific measures for expediting bail hearings were not detailed.

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