Serious criminal cases must not wait two years - Farron

South Lakeland MP Tim Farron has called for serious criminal cases to be dealt with more quickly, as it is revealed that a number of individuals charged with sexual offences in Cumbria were on bail for almost two years.

Figures uncovered by Tim Farron show that over the last five years, serious criminals in Cumbria have been on bail for up to 662 days. The three longest individual cases all related to sexual offences, with one person charged for making and possessing indecent images. The longest case saw an individual on bail for 662 days, whilst two other individuals were on bail for 603 days.

Tim said: "It is essential that the public has confidence in the justice system, yet this is badly undermined by allowing those charged with sexual offences or other serious or violent crime to remain in the community for almost two years.

"Although a short amount of time may be needed to collect the evidence required for a court case, the public will be rightly concerned that these cases are unresolved for so long while the public could be at serious risk.

"For the peace of mind of local residents, as well as for the individuals who are charged, these cases must be dealt with far more quickly."