Published date:
Commissioner Designate for Victims of Crime Geraldine Hanna said:
“I am deeply alarmed by varying reports in the media about the potential escalation in the ongoing industrial action by barristers.
“Speculation over the weekend that barristers would immediately withdraw from current Crown Cases will have caused real uncertainty for victims and witnesses.
“The fact that the vote for further withdrawal was held on the weekend before the withdrawal due to take place on Monday morning was reckless.
“This would have allowed no time to communicate with victims and witnesses due in court.
“These are people who would have already spent weeks anxious about their upcoming case.
“Once again it is victims and witnesses who are placed at risk. Once again, the needs of victims and witnesses are being ignored.
“Once again, the public of Northern Ireland, will rightfully worry that they will be less safe, the longer it takes for dangerous people to be brought to justice.
“I am relieved that we did not wake up on Monday morning to the news that our court system would grind to a halt with barristers walking out with no notice.
“However, this can’t continue. We are over a year on from the commencement of the ongoing withdrawal in serious crime cases with a backlog continuing to build.
“I am extremely frustrated that rather than hearing of progress we are worrying about a potential escalation.
“A resolution or way forward must be found, victims of crime should not have to face the cost of this action for any longer.”