Cases at Worcester Crown Court could grind to a halt over strike action

Members of the Criminal Bar Association (CBA) have been walking out on alternate weeks but are now taking part in an indefinite, uninterrupted strike.

The indefinite action begins from September 5.

However, the members are already on strike this week under the previous alternate week action.

WALK OUT: Barristers are to go on strike Picture: PA

The action has the potential to see the criminal justice system grind to a halt in crown courts across the country, including Worcester.

A number of trials and sentences at Worcester Crown Court could be affected including: 

• Martin Abbot, 24, of Cales Avenue, Malvern, set to face trial on October 17 on four offences of engaging in non-penetrative sexual activity with a child aged 14.
• Kai Radburn, 18, of Fern Road, Worcester, to be sentenced for assault occasioning actual bodily harm and breaching a community order on September 30.

COURT: Kai Radburn. Picture: West Mercia Police

• Rhiann Bowyer, 27, of Firs Lane, Bromyard, sentenced for inflicting grievous bodily harm on a child due to be sentenced on October 24.
• Paul Capuvanno, 50, of Mortimer Row, Bradford, to be tried on October 4 for burglary in which £13,500 worth of jewellery was taken from a property in Britannia Square, Worcester.

COURT: Paul Capuvanno. Picture: West Mercia Police

• Inmate Jordan Bailey-Mascoll, 30, is accused of assault by beating a prison officer, at the high-security HMP Long Lartin. His trial is scheduled to begin the week of December 5.
• Ashley Evans, 30, of Holly Mount Road, Tolladine, has a robbery trial scheduled for the week of December 5. 
• Benjamin Parkinson, of Charles Road, Aston, Birmingham, and previously of Battenhall Road, Worcester, set to face trial for threats to kill, an alleged offence of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and theft. His trial is scheduled to begin the week beginning November 23.

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READ MORE: Judge critical of 'ambush' as he adjourns trial of alleged Worcester burglar for fourth time

READ MORE: Worcester judge brings in alleged victim to apologise for trial delays

READ MORE: Why are criminal barristers striking and what will happen to court cases?

Barristers are embroiled in a row over jobs and government-set fees for legal aid advocacy work - publicly funded representation for defendants who cannot afford to pay.

COURT: Worcester Crown Court (Image: Hereford Times)

According to Ministry of Justice figures, more than 6,000 court hearings have been disrupted as a result of the dispute so far.

Ministers and officials have branded the strike action “irresponsible” and warned it will cause “unnecessary disruption” which will only see more victims face further delays and distress while they wait for their cases to be dealt with by courts.