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Snaresbrook Crown Court has been revealed as having the worst case backlog of any court in England and Wales, with 4,185 cases awaiting trial as of March 31, 2025—a 45% increase over the next highest, Wood Green Crown Court.

New figures from the Ministry of Justice expose the growing crisis in the criminal justice system, particularly in East London, where Snaresbrook serves as the central court for the most serious criminal offences.

Record Delays, Soaring Backlogs

The backlog at Snaresbrook has increased significantly from 3,286 cases just a year ago, highlighting a system under extreme pressure. Wood Green currently has 2,313 pending cases, making Snaresbrook’s burden nearly double that of its closest comparator.
In March, Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood admitted the government is struggling to keep up with the backlog, despite announcing a record 110,000 judicial sitting days for the upcoming financial year.

“The sad reality is the backlog will still go up,” Mahmood said.

Why This Matters

The growing delay in court proceedings has severe consequences for victims, defendants, and public trust. Justice delayed, many argue, is justice denied.

As legal professionals and the government await the outcome of the Leveson Review, pressure continues to mount for immediate solutions to accelerate case resolution, reduce trauma for those awaiting justice, and restore confidence in the criminal courts.

How You Can Help:
If you’re affected by delays in the justice system, support is available through Victim Support at victimsupport.org.uk or via helpline 0808 168 9111.

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