SEC Update - 26.05.22

This week I addressed a jury all of whom were actually sitting in the jury box without a piece of Perspex in sight; it really does feel like we are moving forwards post-pandemic, I hope we are. The news from HMCTS that the cap on sitting days has been lifted for another year is welcome and will make some impact on the backlog but there is much still to do. Cases cannot be heard without counsel and I know that you are still all stretched thin and extremely weary. Those of you who sit as Recorders are constantly reminded of the vacancies; I know many of you do but do please sit as often as you can. I am constantly told that the main problem HMCTS now have is  judicial capacity.

Courts and judges are aware of this pressure and, for the most part, sympathetic.  They are doing their best to make the situation provided by the “no returns” policy manageable. As always you know where I am if you want to speak with me.

The CBA is currently taking soundings on whether to escalate the action – if you would like to let me know how you feel about this, I would be happy to hear from you. Even better, speak to your Heads of Chambers and let them know how you feel. There is to be a meeting between the CBA and Heads of Chambers which do criminal law on 9th June.

While on the topic of courts, I would like to draw your attention to this form. This is part of a new complaints and feedback service which is being piloted in a number of Courts and Tribunals. If the court about which you wish to comment is not listed, there is a link which allows you to make a specific comment.

The East Anglia Bar Mess would like volunteers to help at the Open Day at Norwich Crown Court on 17th September. The new Resident Judge there, HHJ Robinson, is looking for people to take part in mock bail applications, sentences etc. Please contact the Chair of the EABM, Riel Karmy-Jones QC if you are interested.

Finally, the Chief Crown Prosecutor of London (South) has asked me to draw your attention to arrangements surrounding the imminent cases of Insulate Britain protestors at Inner London Crown Court. In particular:

In addition to the defendants, we’re also expecting a number of their supporters to attend site. In order to mitigate potential security breaches, there will be a police presence and OCS are supplying a number of additional security guards. On the days that we have IB hearings, there will be enhanced security checks which will involve persons entering the building being required to remove their shoes and submit to a pat down search. OCS will have female members of staff to conduct these searches on females. Can you please ensure your team are made aware of this. It may be on these days, your team would look to entering the building early and bringing in their lunch etc so as to minimise entry to and from the building. Also, they may wish to consider whether or not they choose to park their vehicles in the main car park.

Training and Education
Moving now to training and education, please do book a place in person or to attend remotely at the CBA’s Spring Conference 2022. Taking place on Saturday 28th May at IET London, and with Dame Anne Rafferty as the keynote speaker, it is a great opportunity to catch up on developments in criminal law, including:
- Crown Court practice,
- Mags Courts practice,
- confiscation,
- substantive criminal law,
- fraud law,
- sentencing, and
- evidence.

More details can be found here.

In addition, the SEC’s flagship Advanced International Advocacy Course returns to Keble in August this year and there are a few scholarship places for juniors left. Do consider attending this excellent and enjoyable educational event – more details can be found here.

And we look forward to bringing you news of several new initiatives soon. The Circuit is setting up an advice scheme for those from under-represented backgrounds who wish to apply for Silk, and we are also starting a judicial reverse mentoring programme which should be hugely beneficial to mentors and mentees alike. Finally, we are also looking into establishing a bursary fund for those experiencing financial hardship. Details on all three projects to follow, but please get in touch with me if you would like to be involved in any of them.

Social Events
And, in news of social events, the Isleworth Summer Garden Party, hosted by the Judges, returns at last on Tuesday 5th July. All are welcome and it is free for members of the Bar and solicitors. For more information, please contact Neil Griffin. And the Essex Bar Mess are holding a dinner in November 2022.

There will be a Circuit dinner on Friday 14th October – more details to follow. Please put the date in your diary and make a special effort to come if you can.

Becoming a Judge
The Judicial Appointments Commission will open a Circuit Judge competition on 21st July 2022. If you are interested in applying please see the announcement here.

You might also find it useful to attend this webinar.

I’m very aware of the fact that this update is ‘crime heavy’. As you know I am always happy to hear from practitioners in other areas of law and ‘in house’ members of the SEC. Please do get in touch if you feel there is anything I should know about and if you think there is anything either I or the SEC should or could be doing.

I hope the next few weeks will bring some much-needed sunshine to us. I also hope that we are able to resolve, in at least some way, some of the issues that have been affecting the bar for so long. You know where I am if you need me!

Yours,

Christine Agnew QC
Leader of the South Eastern Circuit
leader@southeastcircuit.org.uk