Simon Spence KC interviewed by BBC Suffolk

Simon Spence KC was recently invited to discuss the government’s proposal to scrap trial by jury for certain offences in order to address court backlogs. Appearing on BBC Radio Suffolk, Simon discussed the implications of the suggestion, which aims to shift ‘middle bracket’ offences to magistrates’ courts.

Simon emphasized that the answer to tackling court delays is not to remove the right to a jury trial. Instead, he highlighted the urgent need for investment in the justice system, including more judges, barristers, courtrooms, and resources to enable courts to operate at full capacity. He commented:

“The current backlog has resulted in some individuals waiting up to four years for their trial, which has severely eroded public confidence in the justice system. Vulnerable victims in sensitive cases, particularly in sexual offences, are increasingly withdrawing their consent to proceed. This poses a real risk of individuals walking free who should otherwise be held accountable.”

He concluded: “The justice system is one of the pillars of society, like health and education. You have to invest in it to make it work properly, and that has not been happening for the last 20 years.”

Listen from 21:09 here: [BBC Sounds]