An internal directive seen by News states that if an offender is currently free on bail, courts in England and Wales should consider rescheduling their hearings for the next two weeks, possibly until mid-September.
In the memo, which was sent on Wednesday by deputy senior presiding judge Lord Justice Green and was first made public by the news, the directive said that it was being issued “in the context of the current challenges in our prisons.”
They continued, saying that in cases where it is determined that a jail sentence may be imposed, thought should be made to rescheduling the hearing for as little time as possible—but not before 10.
Decisions must be based on the interests of justice and each case must be evaluated individually.
However, as this policy is not expected to take effect until September 10th, the significant number of convictions relating to riots in recent times is placing further acute pressure on the jail system.
According to Lord Justice Green’s directive, people who have been found guilty of crimes may be able to post bail and avoid jail time for a few more weeks.
