Second court set up to clear backlog

A SECOND Special Criminal Court is to be established in the new year to clear the 10-month backlog of cases, the Government said yesterday.

Seven judges will be appointed to the court and Justice Minister Michael McDowell said the backlog of trials should be cleared by the middle of next year.

“I want to ensure that persons intent on challenging the legitimacy and authority of the State who are charged with criminal offences are brought swiftly to justice.