Thursday March 11, 2021, 2:30 PM Ministry of Justice figures show 56,544 crown court cases were waiting to be dealt with at the end of January. The number of criminal cases waiting to be heard at crown courts in England and Wales is at its highest in a year and could have “major consequences” for victims and witnesses. Inspectors from Her Majesty’s Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate (HMCPSI) warned the number of cases for prosecutors is increasing at an “alarming rate” and could have “major consequences” for victims and witnesses. HMCPSI said delays in cases coming to court affect “the ability of victims, witnesses and defendants to recollect the events and can impact on their willingness to attend court to give evidence”.