Mother of rape complainant appeals to MP as Sheffield Crown Court faces backlog of trials in wake of Covid-19

While some courts across England and Wales were temporarily closed, priority courts, including Sheffield Crown Court, remained open from March 30 with remote hearings and restrictive safety protocols.

However, all trials were suspended on March 23 and only resumed in specific courts in May and in Sheffield from June 29 creating a backlog.

Remote facilities are still operating at Sheffield Crown Court but barristers are returning, although trials have been subject to delays due to social distancing, the need for regular cleaning and drawn-out jury selection processes.

The mother of the alleged rape victim, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was shocked when her daughter's trial was adjourned until May next year.

Her daughter was allegedly raped in March, 2019, and the first magistrates' court hearing for the accused was in January with a Sheffield Crown Court hearing on August 3 adjourned until May 4, 2021 for a trial.

The Sheffield mother said: "I can't and I won't leave this, not just for my daughter but for every other person who is going through this.

"The system seemed broken in the first place but now it seems just a total mess and I feel I need to shout this to whoever is going to listen."

She contacted MP Olivia Blake who replied saying she would contact the Chief Executive of HM Courts and Tribunal Services.

Ms Blake said: “Delays to trials and to justice are incredibly worrying. The courts need to get back up to speed and to receive the support they need from the Government to do so in a way that is safe.”

A spokesman for Her Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service, which oversees courts for the Ministry of Justice, said: "We are sorry to hear of the distress this woman and her family are going through.

“Judges decide when to list trials taking into account the circumstances of each individual case."

The Judicial Office, representing the judiciary, stated cases involving remanded defendants are taking priority.

A Judicial Office spokesman said: "The current Covid-19 pandemic is having a significant impact upon the administration of justice in England and Wales in common with every other country.

"Jury trials have been significantly delayed. A national programme is in place for recovery. In Sheffield a local plan is significantly advanced. Trials recommenced in June 2020.

"There has been a gradual upscaling of trial work. This will increase further on September 14 and further still on October 4.

"These developments will materially assist to clear the backlog of trials which have been adjourned due to the pandemic and keep on top of new work."

The spokesman added: “All judges and HMCTS officials are acutely aware of the difficulties faced by complainants, witnesses, defendants, the legal profession and others, by the delays caused due to the Covid-19 crisis. All are working tirelessly to endeavour to solve these problems.”

The Jury Trials Judicial Working Group is assessing courts so the number of trials can be increased.