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Criminal Case Backlog Soars: 100,000 Trials Delayed by 2028

12/18/2025

48 11 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

England and Wales face a severe backlog in criminal cases, with more than 79,600 pending and a projection of 100,000 by 2028.
Delays, worsened by the pandemic, mean victims and suspects may wait years for trials.
The government plans reforms to speed proceedings, including removing juries from some trials.
Nearly 17,700 people are on remand, with the prison population projected to exceed 100,000 by 2030.

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Story summary

England and Wales face a severe backlog in criminal cases, with more than 79,600 pending and a projection of 100,000 by 2028.
Delays, worsened by the pandemic, mean victims and suspects may wait years for trials.
The government plans reforms to speed proceedings, including removing juries from some trials.
Nearly 17,700 people are on remand, with the prison population projected to exceed 100,000 by 2030.