Coronavirus lockdown has created backlog of cases to be heard in magistrates and crown courts
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Extending the amount of time unconvicted defendants can await trial in prison will have a disproportionate impact on people who are black, Asian or from other ethnic minorities, according to official advice handed to ministers.
The coronavirus lockdown temporarily halted jury trials in March and despite the government creating “Nightingale” courts there are close to 500,000 cases yet to be heard in magistrates and crown courts.
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