THE POLICE and Crime Commissioner for West Mercia Police has slammed growing delays in the court system.
PCC John Campion said he has been fighting for a justice system which works for victims.
He raised his concerns following a national report which highlighted the severe backlogs of court cases in the country.
“Any delay can represent further trauma to victims and witnesses and they are likely to suffer avoidable stress and anxiety,” said Mr Campion.
The report, released this week by the Criminal Justice Joint Inspection, highlighted ‘grave concerns’ around the potential long-term impact of Covid-19 on cases.
The PPC added: “Delays in court hearings could be justice denied.
“The performance prior to the pandemic wasn’t at an acceptable level, and it certainly isn’t now.
“We need to see the system continue to challenge itself to do better for victims, not just celebrate that ‘it could be worse’.
“And to start seeing these figures as real people, as victims and witnesses of horrific crimes who don’t want to have to wait for 13 months to have their case heard.”
Mr Campion added that he fears victims will withdraw their case because of the time it takes for it to be heard by a judge.
