Context
A constituent waited several years for a historical child sexual exploitation case to be heard, with two cancellations causing significant distress. There is a backlog of approximately 65,000 Crown court cases, nearly one-third waiting over a year compared to 10% in 2020.
Question
My constituent had to wait several years before her historical child sexual exploitation case was finally heard. During that time, the court date was cancelled twice, causing her immense distress. There is a backlog of about 65,000 Crown court cases—a third more there than in 2020—and nearly a third are waiting more than one year, compared with 10% in 2020. I appreciate what the Minister said about the additional barristers and judges recruited, but given the sensitive nature of these cases, could she indicate what percentage of the backlog is down to that and what she and her team are doing specifically to address it?
Answer from Laura Farris
I am grateful to the hon. Lady for raising this issue again. Listing is a matter for the independent judiciary, but I would like to meet her to discuss the specific reasons for adjourning the case she mentioned. A new police taskforce has led to a 20% increase in child sex charges over the past year alone, and Greater Manchester currently has 59 live investigations into child sexual abuse involving complex cases with multiple perpetrators and victims.
Not addressed: Percentage of backlog related to delays in scheduling historical child sexual exploitation cases was not provided.
How: Listing Is A Matter For The Independent Judiciary, Would Like To Meet To Discuss Specific Reasons
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