UK Court System Faces Unprecedented Backlogs, Watchdog Report Reveals

National Audit Office finds government targets to reduce criminal case delays unachievable, with victims waiting years for justice.

Current backlog stands at 67,573 cases, significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels.
Government's target to reduce backlog to 53,000 cases by March 2025 deemed unrealistic.
Overcrowded prisons exacerbate delays, with 16,000 individuals awaiting trial or sentencing.
A quarter of cases have been pending for over a year, impacting victims' mental wellbeing.
Calls for sustained investment and urgent action to address systemic issues in the justice system.