Committing to reforming prisons, pledging a review of legal aid cuts, reassuring solicitors and barristers that this time the lord chancellor is here to stay. These could all have been top of the to-do list for David Gauke in his first week in office.
However first he may wish to satisfy rumbling stomachs at one of London’s highest profile courts. Obiter has learned of a dire situation at Snaresbrook Crown Court. The central heating is broken and the canteen has seemingly ceased trading.
Court users were quick to voice their distaste on Twitter. ‘Shambles at Snaresbrook Crown Court,’ wrote criminal barrister Ed Connel @escimo. ‘No heating in advocates’ mess and rumblings that the canteen has gone bankrupt. What great working conditions and people wonder why no one wants to call me to the criminal Bar.’
Shambles at Snaresbrook Crown Court. No heating in advocates mess and rumblings that the canteen has gone bankrupt. What great working conditions and people wonder why no one wants to call me to the criminal Bar @TheCriminalBar
— Ed Connell (@escimo) January 9, 2018
Meanwhile @crimbarrister did not hesitate in calling for Gauke to step in. ‘Well, our new Lord Chancellor has a major job on his hands. Starting with the fact that Snaresbrook CC’s catering facilities appear to have abruptly gone out of business this morning, so no food or drink available for any staff, jurors or court users of the 20 courts here,’ they wrote.
Well, our new Lord Chancellor has a major job on his hands. Starting with the fact that Snaresbrook CC’s catering facilities appear to have abruptly gone out of business this morning, so no food or drink available for any staff, jurors or court users of the 20 courts here! 🙃
— CrimBarrister (@CrimBarrister) January 9, 2018
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