Mayor urges government to rethink court closures

Greater Manchester’s Mayor and Police and Crime Commissioner has called on ministers to think again about planned court closures across Greater Manchester.

Speaking as new figures show an increase in the number of criminal cases dropped due to lack of evidence, Tony Lloyd said: “Whilst I recognise that cases can collapse for a number of reasons, it is concerning that, against a backdrop of falling prosecutions, the number of dropped cases is increasing.

“The Ministry of Justice’s short-sighted decision to close courts across the region will no doubt have a detrimental impact on the number of dropped cases. Last year, around 30% of dropped cases in Greater Manchester were due to witnesses not attending court. Common sense suggests that this will get worse as people are forced to travel further afield. In light of this, I ask the Ministry of Justice to rethink these plans, which are systematically stripping local people’s access to local justice.”

Mr Lloyd is also seeking reassurances that victims are being fully informed and supported through the criminal justice process, regardless of whether the case is dropped.

“Victims of crime have already gone through a difficult time. To find that their case has been dropped only adds to this distress and can impact on the public’s confidence in the criminal justice system as a whole,” adds Tony.

“While the decision to bring cases to court – or drop them – must be done based on cold facts and evidence, at the heart of these cases are people who may have had great harm done to them. It is vital that they are supported throughout the process – and beyond – regardless of whether their case comes to court, or the outcome of any trial. Criminal justice agencies also owe it to victims to make sure that cases are not dropped as a result of procedural failings or chances missed.

“I will be seeking reassurance from the Crown Prosecution Service and Greater Manchester Police that everything is being done to ensure cases are being investigated thoroughly, and where cases are dropped, victims are fully informed and supported.”