Courts Work Through Weekend To Process Hundreds Of Riot Arrests

Courts Work Through Weekend To Process Hundreds Of Riot Arrests

Courts around the UK are working through the weekend as they continue to process those arrested and charged with offences relating to rioting.

Around 2,250 people have been arrested following the riots, while more than 1,000 have been charged. The Ministry of Justice said that 83% of those arrested are adults, while 17% are under 18.

In London, Scotland Yard said Saturday that 1,225 people had been arrested in the capital, while 725 had been charged.

Dozens have appeared in court on Saturday as the prosecution services struggle to cope with the backlog of cases.

Some journalists reported that the court's were busy, tense and tired. One summed up the atmosphere in the Westminister Magistrates Court by saying: "Magistrates is still hot as hell. Public gallery packed, millions of journos, all warm and sweaty. Urgh."

Meanwhile the Met released another 44 photographs on Flickr of people it says are suspected of rioting offences. Scotland Yard also said that a 25-year-old in Tottenham had been charged with handling more than £40,000 of stolen goods.

Around two-thirds of those who have appeared in court have been remanded in custody, while a large number have been sent to appear before crown courts, who can give sentences of more than six months.

Most of the charges arising from the riots involve burglary, theft, violent disorder and handling stolen goods. According to the Greater Manchester Police at least one person has been convicted for accepting stolen items even though they were not present at the disturbances.

The Ministry of Justice said in a statement:

"There has been enormous effort using unprecedented measures across the criminal justice system to ensure individuals committing these appalling crimes are brought to justice swiftly and effectively.

"Individuals have been arrested, processed, and appeared before the courts the same day, thanks to courts and prisons running through the night. We will continue to work closely with police, Crown Prosecution Service, court service and prisons to ensure those responsible are brought to justice swiftly.

"We have enough prison places for those that are sentenced to custody after these incidents. There is substantial capacity in the prison and youth justice system."

Scotland Yard has also released details of the telephone calls received from the public during the riots. More than 42,000 calls, including 20,000 emergency calls, were received between 7am on Monday and 7am on Tuesday.

More than 31,000 calls came in during the next 24 hours. The previous highest total for calls was 11,000 on October 13, 2008.

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