Dear all,
I have just had this from the Chief Clerk:
'The situation is that the court is open for bail cases only, the overnight custody cases having gone to Thames. All trials have been vacated. As the water issue has not yet resolved itself, all trials for tomorrow are also to be vacated and, again, overnight custody cases will be diverted to Thames. The action taken by the courts tomorrow will be restricted to matters which can be dealt with by legal advisers under delegated powers, i.e. the majority of cases will simply be adjourned over to later dates.
The situation with regard to Monday will be reviewed on Saturday and I am copying in the Operations manager and delivery managers and asking that they advise you of the decision made then.'
Theresa Hendrickx
07949243949
Dear all,
The cells were closed when I arrived at 9.30am, although I was allowed into the building and there was no-one to greet me or inform me whether the court was open or closed.
Both enquiries desks were closed.
The CPS had no papers for any case and no list and I was told that custody cases were being taken to Thames MC.
YOT were also in attendance for youth court cases.
One youth bail case of mine has now been listed at Thames MC, but others have not been listed here.
I have written to the Chief Clerk and asked for clarification of the court's plans and will update everyone if I hear.
Theresa Hendrickx
07949243949