In magistrates’ courts, lawyers have 20 percent more cases per brief – on average about 101 – while the crown court increase is 27 percent. She told MPs: “Our rape and serious sexual offences lawyers, so much in our thoughts at the moment and in the public’s mind, have on average 80 percent more cases per lawyer than they did at the start of the pandemic. And strain on that particular group of prosecutors, as you know, pre-dates the pandemic.” She said there is a “real pressure” on staff, adding: “When prosecutors hold more cases, and when cases are waiting longer to be heard in the courts, there’s more strain on them, and on the defence, and on witnesses and all involved.”