Judge critical of last minute guilty pleas
The Herald|August 14, 2023
HE THREATENS TO LOCK UP THOSE 'OBSTRUCTING JUSTICE'
CARL EVE
Judge critical of last minute guilty pleas

AN experienced Crown Court judge – known for showing little fear of criticising any organisation which may hamper the running of a trial – has raged at barristers over their clients who choose to plead guilty on the day of their trial, thus leaving courts to lie fallow for days, or even weeks afterwards.

According to the website and Twitter account of CrimeLine – which describes itself as a “digital knowledge platform for criminal law and regulatory professionals, government and judiciary” – His Honour Judge Robert Linford sent out an email to lawyers representing defendants at Truro and Plymouth Crown Courts, where he is the resident judge.

A source within the local courts has told The Herald the angry missive was not a formal statement but an email which has evidently been leaked to CrimeLine. CrimeLine has told The Herald it will not comment on the email.

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