Judge criticises the “political decision” that has left “listing and admin team … severely depleted”

Court Report: 16th October 2020 @ Snaresbrook Crown Court

Following the adjournment of his previous sentencing (which I covered in part 1) I’m back in Court 20 for the sentencing of 19-year-old Mr HK who has been produced before His Honour Judge A Gordon.

As explained previously there are several indictments to be sorted out in this hearing mainly relating to thefts from bags and coats that have been left unguarded in pubs over several occasions.

As the barrister for the Crown starts to explain the “regrettably history” of these matters the Judge interjects that he thinks they’re about to be “further complicated“. Explaining that he “simply cannot sentence matters not on the system” he tells the parties that the court will be adjourning the matter again until November.

His Honour Judge Gordon then criticises the “political decision” that’s left “the listing and admin team at Snaresbrook severely depleted” “it was clear in April we needed more staff and it’s simply unacceptable” he says. The judge tells the parties that only two people worked in the listings department in this 20-court-centre and are trying “desperately hard to stay afloat“.

Despite having “enormous empathy” with the plight of Mr HK, communicated by some interruptions from the dock, HHJ Gordon explains that he has explored every possibility to sentence today.

In addressing the court, sometimes in tears, Mr HK explains he’s been locked up since March for “theft” and that this is the 5th time he’s been brought back. “I’ve got a family… I want to fix my life” he tells the court.

On Nov 11th he’ll find out when that’s possible.