Offenders tell of court delay woe

Offenders tell of court delay woe



Victims and witnesses face long delays in criminal trials because of a shortage of courtrooms, the government spending watchdog has warned.

The National Audit Office (NAO) says the worst-affected Crown Courts were in London and the south-east of England.

The watchdog also criticises a 20-year-old computer system which means staff must post documents to each other.

The Courts Service says it plans to spend £130m over the next three years to create 30 new court rooms.

However, it is not just the victims and witnesses that are affected by these delays. Two convicted offenders have contacted the BBC News website to speak about their experiences of court delays.