Snaresbrook Crown Court Has Worst Backlog in England and Wales as Justice System ‘Reaches Breaking Point’
Snaresbrook Crown Court has been revealed as having the worst case backlog of any court in England and Wales, with 4,185 cases awaiting trial as of March 31, 2025—a 45% increase over the next highest, Wood Green Crown Court.
New figures from the Ministry of Justice expose the growing crisis in the criminal justice system, particularly in East London, where Snaresbrook serves as the central court for the most serious criminal offences.
Record Delays, Soaring Backlogs
The backlog at Snaresbrook has increased significantly from 3,286 cases just a year ago, highlighting a system under extreme pressure. Wood Green currently has 2,313 pending cases, making Snaresbrook’s burden nearly double that of its closest comparator.
Courts and Legal Services Minister Sarah Sackman KC responded to the data, warning that:
“At its current rate of increase, the national backlog could hit 100,000 cases by 2028—a year earlier than previously projected.”
She added:
“Despite the hard work of those across the criminal justice system, our crown courts are reaching breaking point. It’s simply unacceptable that victims are waiting years for justice.”
Call for Radical Reform
Minister Sackman said the government had commissioned Sir Brian Leveson to lead a major review into structural reforms of the court system. The Leveson Review is expected to propose sweeping changes and will be published in the coming weeks.
Meanwhile, Mary Prior KC, chair of the Criminal Bar Association, urged immediate action:
“We don’t have the luxury of time. Courtrooms that are currently closed must be reopened now, or traumatised victims and wrongly accused individuals may abandon their cases entirely.”
She warned that “radical reforms” could take a year or more to implement, adding:
“Both victims and defendants want the nightmare to end—justice must be delivered in months, not years.”
Jail Overcrowding and Sentencing Reform
The figures come amid broader concerns over prison overcrowding and delays in sentencing. The government is already moving to implement recommendations from a separate sentencing review by former Justice Secretary David Gauke.
In March, Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood admitted the government is struggling to keep up with the backlog, despite announcing a record 110,000 judicial sitting days for the upcoming financial year.
“The sad reality is the backlog will still go up,” Mahmood said.
Why This Matters
The growing delay in court proceedings has severe consequences for victims, defendants, and public trust. Justice delayed, many argue, is justice denied.
As legal professionals and the government await the outcome of the Leveson Review, pressure continues to mount for immediate solutions to accelerate case resolution, reduce trauma for those awaiting justice, and restore confidence in the criminal courts.
How You Can Help:
If you’re affected by delays in the justice system, support is available through Victim Support at victimsupport.org.uk or via helpline 0808 168 9111.
