Just how discriminatory “Extended” Operating Hours comes from a request by a Crown Court in SW circuit to list a trial in a Hampshire Crown Court for 9am. Counsel for CPS and defence would have to take a 430am train from London to make it on time - a @TheCriminalBar thread

The only reason no date can yet be found - with judge still wanting a 9am court start no one can make (after starting work 4am and ending 11-12 the night before) is cuts to capacity in 2019/20 means no dates even for 2021 can yet be found given backlogs

The junior barrister, 3 years qualified, who tells me this, is battling and has battled against odds to come to the criminal bar - mum a single working parent, state school, hard south london estate, huge student debts - and wonders how long she can hang in just as we need her

We the criminal bar, complainants, defendants, the wider public need to have the diversity of talent like her staying to man/woman the “essential public service” of criminal courts, but the contempt for public service shown by EOH is unforgivable and note all the work done so far

All the professional time expended on criminal cases like this won’t be paid until the case completes. Without even a trial date who is going to pay for her and others to stay? Meanwhile defendants and complainants likewise languish, many in prison unable to clear their name

Identify of Crown Court withheld and name of junior barrister. She just wants to do her job.

Forget cyber threats and anti terrorism funding where billions can be found. Where’s the money to prosecute a burglary, a robbery or defend an allegation of fraud? Priorities please