A YORK MP has warned that victims are being "denied" justice amid new analysis which shows the city's Crown Court is facing an increasing backlog of cases.

Ministry of Justice figures show that York Crown Court had 402 outstanding cases at the end of December. This was an increase of 34.9 per cent from the end of September and 42.6 per cent at the end of 2019, when there were 282.

York Central MP, Rachael Maskell, claims the latest figures showed that the justice system is “broken”.

The Lords Constitution Committee has urged the Government to set out urgent plans, including new funding, to stop public confidence in the justice system being undermined.

It comes as a Parliamentary report claims that the pandemic has left the country's courts system in “crisis” with some areas left with a backlog that will take years to clear.

Across England and Wales, the number of outstanding crown court cases swelled to 56,827 in December, up 11 per cent compared to September and 49 per cent higher than the same point the previous year.

However, the number of concluded cases in December was close to pre-pandemic levels, as courts get closer to clearing the national backlog.

The figures also show that 191 cases were concluded at York Crown Court between October and December following a trial or sentencing hearing.

That was a fall of 18 per cent on the 233 cases dealt with between July and September. Between October and December 2019, 242 cases were concluded.

Last month, the watchdog for the Crown Prosecution Service warned that the caseload for prosecutors nationally is increasing at an alarming rate and this could have “major consequences” for victims and witnesses. Some lawyers have said they are already seeing trials being listed for 2023.

Bar Council chairman Derek Sweeting QC said the Government needed to invest in more court capacity, more court staff and adequate sitting days.

While Dame Vera Baird, the Victim's Commissioner, said victim hubs were under increasing pressure due to delays in the justice system.

Dame Baird said: "They are carrying higher caseloads as victims remain in the justice system for longer.

"Hub staff are also having to work harder to persuade victims not to withdraw from supporting the prosecution as a result of delays."

Ms Maskell said: “I have been asking a series of Parliamentary questions to the Ministry of Justice concerning the delays in Crown, County, Family and Magistrate Courts. It is clear that the justice system is broken and the number of outstanding cases is out of control.

“Over a decade of Government cuts to our courts system meant that there was already a significant backlog in cases before Covid19 hit. Those who are victims and survivors of crime are now having to wait ever longer for justice to be served. Justice delayed is justice denied.”

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice said: "We are spending £450 million to deliver speedier justice for victims and this is already having an impact – outstanding magistrates’ cases have fallen by 50,000 since last summer and crown court cases reached pre-Covid levels in December.

“More jury trials are being heard every week, with video hearings and new Nightingale courts boosting capacity while we invest record amounts in victim support.”