CUMBRIAN MPs believed ‘the system is not working’ as victims may have to wait as long as nine months for justice due to the backlog on cases for sexual offences.

Serious sexual offences are taking the longest time on record to go through Crown Courts in England and Wales.

Data compiled from the courts found that delays could take as long as nine months.

The Justice Secretary has blamed delays on the pandemic, however some barristers have pointed blame at funding cuts.

Members of Parliament in Cumbria have reacted to the backlog and urged more action is needed.

South Lakes MP Tim Farron said: “It is totally inexcusable that victims of rape and sexual assault are being left in limbo.

“Justice delayed is justice denied - the suffering of victims is being made worse by the government starving the justice system of the resources it needs.

“The impact will not just be the increased suffering of victims but it could also dissuade victims in the future from even coming forward in the first place.”

Barrow MP Simon Fell said: “This is a real issue that is causing problems not just for the victims and survivors already in the system and awaiting a hearing, but also for those who might be considering coming forward.

“Clearly the system is not working well for those who need it.

“Only a fortnight ago the Home Affairs Select Committee, which I am a member of, published a review into the investigation and prosecution of rape given the delays that people are experiencing.

“We welcomed the Government’s end-to-end rape review, and also Operation Sotera but we also made clear that there needs to be greater accountability to push these cases forward, and to make sure that victims and survivors are not prevented from accessing justice.”