Plans to remove juries from some criminal cases 'only part of the solution' says Beds Police and Crime Commissioner

But he warned that the lack of court capacity remains one of the biggest barriers to reducing delays.

At the Bedfordshire Police and Crime Panel meeting on Tuesday (December 2), commissioner John Tizard was asked about new proposals from deputy prime minister and justice secretary David Lammy to introduce “swift” courts and restrict jury trials for certain offences carrying lower maximum sentences.

Under the plans, some cases with potential sentences of up to three years could be heard without a jury, with ministers arguing the change could help more victims see their cases reach court more quickly.

The government said some victims under the current system are waiting “as long as three of four years to see their day in court”.

Mr Tizard told councillors he had not yet examined the full details of the announcement, but said his understanding was that serious sexual offences would continue to be tried before a jury.

He stressed that the wider pressures facing the justice system would remain regardless of the model of trial.

“Whether you have a jury or you don’t have a jury, we still need the court space, we need magistrates, and we need lawyers,” he said.

“This may be part of the solution, but we need to understand the full implications.”

He added that currently the “vast majority” of criminal cases do not go before a jury.

According to the latest Ministry of Justice figures, more than 78,000 Crown Court cases were waiting to be heard across England and Wales in June. Over 19,000 cases have been outstanding for a year or more.

Delays in serious cases, including sexual offences, can and do stretch into years, contributing to the pressure on victims, witnesses and the wider court system.

Mr Tizard said any reform should be judged on whether it genuinely speeds up justice for victims.