Minister Warns of 10-Year Jail for Rioters Amid Court Backlog

A cabinet minister has cautioned that the recent unrest on the streets will have lasting repercussions on the country’s criminal justice system. The minister acknowledged the Ministry of Justice's efforts to swiftly charge those involved in the disturbances but emphasized that the consequences of these events will complicate the rebuilding of the justice system for years to come. Last month, she had announced plans to release some inmates early to alleviate overcrowding in prisons, attributing the issue to the previous Conservative government's policies. Stephen Parkinson, the director of public prosecutions, indicated that the number of charging decisions is anticipated to increase significantly, ushering in a "new phase" of cases that will involve more serious charges and harsher penalties. He clarified that the focus is not on revenge but on delivering justice, highlighting that the maximum sentence for certain offenses could rise to ten years. Parkinson also noted that the police would face increased workloads as they prepare cases for prosecution. He expressed concern over the overall functionality of the justice system, which he described as inadequate due to persistent underfunding. While acknowledging that the funding issues predate the last Conservative government, he criticized the lack of improvement since then. Parkinson suggested that the current unrest could serve as a wake-up call regarding the systemic issues plaguing the justice system, linking it to the broader societal frustrations that may have contributed to the riots.