Staff Shortage Delaying Murder Trials and Costing Hundreds of Thousands of Pounds

The most senior judge at Britain’s top criminal court, the Old Bailey, has written to the Ministry of Justice to complain about the shortage of dock officers.

Police offices stand on duty outside the Old Bailey, England's Central Criminal Court, on Sept. 30, 2021. Daniel Leal/AFP via Getty Images

The most senior judge at Britain’s top criminal court, the Old Bailey, has contacted the Ministry of Justice to complain about the shortage of dock officers.

The recorder of London, Judge Mark Lucraft, KC, took action after two murder trials on Monday were delayed at an estimated cost of at least £25,000.