INDUSTRIAL action by barristers is starting to bite at Oxford Crown Court, with twotrials delayed by the ‘no returns’ policy.

Criminal barristers are locked in a dispute with the government over Legal Aid fees, refusing to take cases ‘returned’ by their colleagues at the last minute due to other trials over-running, illness or another diary clash.

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Their ‘no returns’ stance began in April and shows no sign of coming to an end. This week, the head of lawyers’ group the Criminal Bar Association Jo Sidhu QC said the organisation would consult on whether to ‘escalate their action’.

At Oxford Crown Court this week, two trials were adjourned as a result of one of the barristers originally-instructed being unable to cover the case. No other barrister could be found to cover the trials.

The cases included the trial of a young defendant accused of robbery, whose co-defendants are awaiting sentence. The other concerned domestic violence offences dating back almost five years.

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Judge Nigel Daly heard that in another trial, expected to take place in July, the barrister that had been instructed to defend the accused had had to withdraw and his solicitors were struggling to find cover. The defendant, who is accused of sexual assault, has been in custody since late last year.

The CBA has called for the government to implement the findings of a review of Legal Aid fees and rates. The body wants a 25 per cent increase to Legal Aid rates.

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This story was written by Tom Seaward. He joined the team in 2021 as Oxfordshire's court and crime reporter.  

To get in touch with him email: Tom.Seaward@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @t_seaward