Jason Lartey

Possession of a Bladed Article – Crown Court. The defence raised substantive issues and there were clear question marks over whether prosecution of this particular matter was in the public interest. After two years of litigation and more than 14 hours of work, the prosecution offered no evidence on the day of trial. Criminal legal aid fee: £272.55 (it would have been only £411.31 had the case proceeded to a one-day trial). A good outcome for the defendant. Extremely poor remuneration – whether the case reaches trial or not – for the professionals who prepare these matters. The Government now proposes to remove defendants’ right to elect Crown Court trial in cases of this kind. Instead they would face summary trial in the Magistrates’ Court, where the conviction rate is substantially higher. Whichever way you look at it, justice in England & Wales continues to erode.