Dramatic rise in serious assault cases before courts

THE number of serious assault cases coming before the High Court increased by almost 400% last year to 1,218 cases.

The annual report of the Courts Service published yesterday not only revealed a startling rise in the level of serious assault cases, but also that those accused of such serious crimes wait an average of 16 months before their case comes to trial.

The 2001 report found that parties involved in prosecutions coming before the Central Criminal Court faced lengthy delays. Legal sources indicated that waiting times for the court, which deals with murder, rape and serious sexual assault cases, are still as bad this year.