Criminal trials held up by shortage of judges

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The delays are being caused by the failure of a new appointments commission to fill vacancies swiftly enough.

As a result, victims are having to wait longer to see justice done.

The problem is also adding to the prison overcrowding crisis because of a lack of judges to review parole reports compiled before convicts are released.

Some serious cases will not be held until 2008.

The Ministry of Justice, which is responsible for new appointments, has received a list of potential candidates to fill the gap, but has so far failed to act.

There are at least 47 vacancies for circuit judges across England and Wales.

In the meantime, the shortage, which mirrors a similar lack of judges able to conduct terror trials, means that retired and part time judges are being used.

Lord Phillips of Worth Matravers, the Lord Chief Justice, said that "judicial appointments can be made very much more swiftly and efficiently" and called on Justice Secretary Jack Straw to take swift action.