Responding to reports that a listing direction has been issued to the managers of magistrates’ courts advising that the sentencing hearings of offenders who are likely to receive a custodial sentence should be postponed until at least 10 September, Tom Franklin, the Chief Executive of the Magistrates’ Association, said:
“Another day, another sticking plaster to hold our crumbling justice system together. This latest emergency measure – while it may be necessary to deal with prison overcrowding until the big release of prisoners on 10 September – demonstrates the need for an injection of more resources at every stage of the justice process.
“As well as investment in the whole criminal justice system, we need a long-term joined-up plan, where all parts of the justice system – including police, courts, probation and prisons – are considered together. We also need a grown-up discussion about the purpose of prison, and indeed other types of sentences such as community sentences.
“Every delay in magistrates’ work adversely affects the timely delivery of justice and impacts victims, witnesses and defendants. The Magistrates’ Association stands ready to work with all stakeholders to improve the system for all. We have identified six areas for improvement and shared them with the new Lord Chancellor.”
