The chief magistrate has praised the ‘exemplary skill and professionalism’ of defence solicitors in the summer riot courts, calling them ‘unsung heroes’. Senior district judge Howard Riddle said that without defence solicitors’ efforts the criminal justice system would not have been able to respond as it did to the unprecedented volume of work that followed the riots.

Addressing the Criminal Law Solicitors Association conference, Riddle said: ‘The unsung heroes were undoubtedly the solicitors, especially the duty solicitors, who provided cover in courts during long days and nights, and at weekends.

‘I have vivid memories of solicitors in my courts at 8am, having had little to sustain them save a cup of coffee during a 24-hour shift, nevertheless professionally and with real ability mitigating for their clients or applying for bail.’

He thanked defence solicitors, who he said are ‘scandalously’ paid, adding: ‘I hope you get the wide recognition you deserve.’

Riddle predicted that the number of criminal legal aid lawyers will ‘shrink proportionately’ with the 40% budget cuts being made to the court service over the next four years.

See letters.