Plans to tackle a backlog of crown court cases in Suffolk by hearing them in Cambridgeshire are being welcomed by the county's police and crime commissioner.

A limited number of crown court cases from west Suffolk will be temporarily moved to Cambridge to help manage caseload pressures, it has emerged.

The backlog at Ipswich Crown Court means some cases will now be heard in CambridgeThe backlog at Ipswich Crown Court means some cases will now be heard in Cambridge (Image: Newsquest) A spokesperson for HM Courts and Tribunal Service said: “This will only affect cases from areas in the west of the region, ensuring minimal disruption to those involved in trial.”

The backlog at Ipswich Crown Court, which serves Suffolk, means cases for those on bail are currently being listed for hearings in 2026. 

Only cases from the Newmarket, Haverhill, Bury St Edmunds, Red Lodge and Thetford areas will be affected, it is understood.

The journey time for these areas to Cambridge is similar to Ipswich, so HM Courts and Tribunal Service says local access to justice will be maintained.  

The changes aim to address caseload pressures at Ipswich Crown Court while using available capacity at Cambridge and it is a temporary measure which will be regularly reviewed.

These plans have been made in consultation with local judges, according to HM Courts and Tribunal Service.

Tim Passmore, police and crime commissioner for Suffolk, argued the move did not undermine the principle of local justice.

He said: “I don't think people need to be over concerned about the lack of a local input into this because, on balance, it's more important to get the backlog in court crown court cases heard.

Police and Crime Commissioner for Suffolk Tim PassmorePolice and Crime Commissioner for Suffolk Tim Passmore (Image: Newsquest) “And, therefore, I am supportive of this. And you tend to have more of a local dimension, of course, when it's a magistrate's court hearing where you get local people involved. But I do understand the concern. But I think on balance, it's better to get the cases heard rather than continuing delay.

“And we've got to remember that Ipswich Crown Court is the most severely affected with the backlogs of anywhere in the whole of the southeast region. So that's why it's important to get on with it. It’s about reducing the backlog.”

Mr Passmore said assets seized from defendants convicted in west Suffolk court cases currently distributed to organisations in Suffolk would not be lost where cases are moved to Cambridgeshire.