At last, the government has awoken from hibernation and pledged a 15% pay rise for prosecution advocates, writes crown court correspondent Sean Axtell.

The announcement was made to a warm reception, with renewed hopes the swelling backlog of crown court cases can at least be stemmed.

Within the justice system, meanwhile, more needs to be done to tackle the mess which has led to 63,000 cases still waiting to be heard.

Pending sexual offence cases remain at a record high, around the 8,000 mark.

It is, undoubtedly, a figure which does not colour a victim with confidence when deciding whether to report their attacker.

In fact, it takes on average of four years for rape cases to complete, and during that time lives are destroyed.

Defendants can be suspended from work until the outcome of their trial as legal fees ramp up, often ostracised by their communities until they clear their name.

'Victims nervously wait for their integrity to be picked apart before a jury as, understandably, their resolve to support the prosecution wanes...'

And victims nervously wait for their integrity to be picked apart before a jury as, understandably, their resolve to support the prosecution wanes.

But news of the payrise will bring some comfort to the thousands of people expecting to soon walk through the doors of Canterbury and Maidstone crown courts.

Now, if only by a slim margin, their cases have less chance of being adjourned - bringing them closer to the end of a life-changing wait.

Speaking after the raise in pay was announced, Kirsty Brimelow KC, chair of the Criminal Bar Association, said: “It is hard fought for and welcome news.

“In future, parity of fees between prosecution and defence should happen automatically, through additional treasury funding.

“It strikes a fatal blow to the heart of justice when trials are adjourned because no prosecutor can be found.

“The CBA was required to drive and make arguments that barristers prosecuting be paid the same as those defending. It should be fundamental. There never was a counter argument.”

She continued: “There still is a long way to go to achieve a functioning criminal justice system but it is hoped that the urgency of its rebuilding is recognised by this funding.

“It now needs to come into effect quickly.”