Portsmouth Magistrates' Court set to more handle criminal cases on a Saturday

Portsmouth Magistrates’ Court will deal with drink-driving and traffic cases on a Saturday for several weeks.

It comes as Covid-19 lockdown added to the number of cases stuck in the criminal justice system.

And this is on top of delays already arising from police releasing suspects under investigation.

Defendants in custody overnight already appear on a Saturday for remand hearings. The extra work starts on August 15, a court official said.

Criminal defence firms have agreed to provide an extra two duty representatives for those due to appear.

Tim Sparkes, a director of Southsea-based Rowe Sparkes Partnership, said it may take 18 months before things get ‘back to normal’.

He said: ‘We need to get the courts moving and it’s a way of getting cases through so more serious cases can come into the system and free up work.’

Mr Sparkes added: ‘We’re happy to try and help out to try and get the courts moving.’

Just three criminal courtrooms are running at the magistrates’ court building, while at Portsmouth Crown Court a single trial can take place at any one time.

Serious cases, with people in custody or domestic prosecutions with child witnesses, are being prioritised on weekdays.

Mr Sparkes added: ‘The backlog we have with available courts is going to take a year and a half to clear to get back to normal.

‘We’ve still got the backlog of cases released under investigation.’

Increased hearings on a Saturday has caused concern among legal professionals elsewhere in England.

A court spokesman said: ‘A number of local judicial business groups, which oversee the judicial business of magistrates’ courts under the leadership of circuit presiding judges, have made temporary changes to these Saturday courts to include the listing of cases to deal with a rise in caseloads.

‘Arrangements have been made with the Legal Aid Agency for additional duty solicitors to be available at the Saturday courts, and this has been organised on a voluntary basis.’

He added: ‘Parties can apply to have cases moved to a weekday if attendance is difficult.’