What impact the Narey reforms have had on the speeding-up of the outcome of serious cases before the Crown court. Instead, following a single, brief magistrates court appearance, defendants charged with offences such as murder, rape and serious firearms or drug offences appear before a Crown court judge slightly more than a week after charge. Early indications suggest that there has been a tremendous change of culture, with some defendants in such cases wishing to indicate a guilty plea at the first Crown court hearing. In that way, even in cases such as armed robbery, sentences are being passed only nine days after charge. The justice system is designed to deal with crooks and criminals, and victims often feel that crooks and criminals have more rights than they do.
Friend makes a valid point.
Obviously, the early completion of serious cases removes the upset caused to victims, witnesses and relatives and so reduces the stress and anxiety that they might otherwise feel. I welcome the Minister's answer. The line that he is taking is the right one. Further to the remarks made by the hon. That is very much our policy.