Victims let down by Shropshire Justice System, says Telford MP

The Government has announced a Courts reform to see quicker justice for victims and keeps streets safe. Victims of crimes will see the perpetrators face justice more quickly under a once-in-a-generation review of criminal courts.

Shaun Davies, MP for Telford, is pushing to secure vital improvements in the local justice system. In response to recent research Shaun revels alarming issues within the justice system across both Telford and Shropshire and is demanding urgent action to boost capacity and efficiency at Telford Magistrates' Court and Shrewsbury Crown Court.

Through Parliamentary questions to the Ministry of Justice, the findings highlight a system in disarray, with fewer magistrates, a shortage of Crown Court judges, longer case waiting times, and courtrooms sitting unused due to unresolved repair work.

Shaun Davies MP investigation has found:

There are just 76 Magistrates covering Shropshire and Kidderminster (down from 91 in 2019) with one less permanent Crown Court Judge (down from 2 since 2019).

No remand cases have been heard in Telford since 2017 with the West Midlands area having the highest number of cases (1571) which are awaiting Crown Court decision making having completed their police investigation.

Between January and December 2022 of 1,500 court sessions available at Telford Magistrates Court only 754 were used (almost 50% court sessions not used) and court room 6 at Telford Magistrates has been out of use March 2023 because the roof needs repairing.

There are longer delays for cases being heard in the Crown Court (42 days set against a target of 40 days).

Shaun Davies MP stated: "Our justice system is yet another example of the broken public services in Telford, a result of 14 years of Conservative government. Telford voted for change, and by highlighting these worrying statistics, I aim to shine a light on the shocking state of our justice system so that we can drive improvements.

"Residents in Telford tell me they rarely see police patrolling their neighbourhoods, police investigations often take years to complete, and our justice system is on its knees. This means victims are waiting longer for justice, witnesses face delays in fulfilling their civic duties, the innocent are unable to clear their names promptly, and the guilty go unpunished for too long."

"Telford voted for change, and since my election in July. I am pleased Court Service has confirmed that a second Crown Court Judge will be in place starting January, and remand court cases will once again be heard in Shropshire.

“I am pleased to see this review of the criminal courts system and I will continue fighting for additional resources and investment to reduce the backlog and ensure that Telford and Shropshire have a justice system that delivers for our community."