‘R. (on the application of CPS) v Maidstone Crown Court [2025] highlights a shift in the interpretation of custody time limits (“CTLs”) under the Prosecution of Offences Act 1985 (the “Act”). The High Court tackled the difficult question of what truly constitutes “good and sufficient cause” for depriving a defendant on remand of their liberty beyond statutory CTLs. At its core, this case examines whether a sick defence barrister, alongside subsequent judicial diary clashes, justified keeping a defendant remanded past their CTL. Fatima Jama scrutinises the court’s reasoning, explores the practical implications for criminal cases, and considers the potential effects on defendants’ rights within an already overly stretched criminal justice system.’
Mountford Chambers, 6th May 2025
Source: www.mountfordchambers.com
