By Ben Kerrigan-
A massive meltdown in the courts service’s main computer network causing chaos across British courts is expected to normalise tomorrow, Thursday. The embarrassing collapse which has disrupted thousands of legal cases across England and Wales has led to many reshuffles, causing multiple obstructions some of which could lead to some prisoners being detained longer than expected, and others being released early, according to some lawyers .
A spokesperson for the Ministry Of Justice told The Eye Of Media.Com that they are 90% on the way back to normality and everything should be back to normal by tomorrow”.
The IT breakdown which started last week has left staff at the Ministry Of Justice (MOJ) in a chaotic state , preventing them from sending emails as wireless connections collapsed and jurors were unable to enrol. Barristers have also been unable to register for attendance payments in one of the worst technological disruptions to hit the MOJ in recent years. Some courts have been unable to retrieve important files, causing confusion over when defendants are expected in court. This has led to a number of prosecutions being adjourned.
Last night the Ministry of Justice confirmed 75,000 users of the criminal justice secure email system were hit in the last week – one in eight users – before that problem was resolved on Friday. And 180 Ministry of Justice sites were without network access until yesterday. A secure email system for lawyers and judges was also affected, prompting many to complain that they have been unable to prepare for hearings and trials. The MoJ said last night that 75 per cent of court staff are now back on working IT systems , as it presses contractors to get to the root of the problem.
IMPROVEMENTS
The Ministry of Justice issued a statement apologising for the disruption, but stating that some urgent work carried out on Tuesday has led to “significant improvements” in the functioning of the IT network.
“Hearings are continuing to progress in our courts, though we appreciate the extra burden placed on court users still without network access,” it added. The Ministry added that 12.5 per cent of users of the secure email system were affected by the melt down .Chris Henley, QC, chairman of the Criminal Bar Association, said around 30 trials had been adjourned due to the problems.
He said lawyers might not be paid for work because there will be no electronic proof that they attended court.He said: “The IT infrastructure is inaccessible in many places, electronic recording systems aren’t working and barristers can’t access vital documents because court wifi and secure emails aren’t working. The system is on its knees.”
Criminal defence lawyer Jonathan Black warned it was a “real possibility” that defendants could be set free from prison, in a bid to avoid anyone being held in custody longer than legally allowed.
The Ministry of Justice issued a statement apologising for the disruption, but stating that some urgent work carried out on Tuesday has led to “significant improvements” in the functioning of the IT network.