James Hay

Southwark crown court is now among the courthouses setting trials for 2026. A judge tells a defendant he's lucky to get an April 2025 date, setting him up for a year-and-a-half on bail while awaiting his three-day trial.

“As judges were told last month to delay jailing convicted defendants, the lord chancellor, Alex Chalk KC, scrambled to act, extending early release provisions and announcing plans to legislate for a presumption that sentences of less than 12 months in prison will be suspended with offenders punished in the community instead, as well as considering renting space in foreign jails.” @thetimes @TimesLaw @legalhackette ‘Crisis builds in crowded prisons’ thetimes.co.uk/article/b253d3… “In the King’s Speech several weeks later, however, the government also introduced a bill that would increase sentences for the most heinous murders and rapes, and result in keeping more in jail for the rest of their lives. The government’s emergency short-term response was to use police cells and portable cabins, with a long-term prison-building programme to increase capacity. Government figures show that this week there are about 87,700 people in prison. The Ministry of Justice has projected that the prison population will rise to between 93,100 and 106,300 by 2027. Government figures show that reoffending rates for adults are about 30 per cent, rising to 54 per cent for those serving sentences of 12 months or less. Critics say prison does not work and, costing at least £40,000 a place annually, is just an expensive way of temporarily keeping criminals off the streets.”

Senior Presiding Judge, Edis LJ, has asked judges to adjourn, from next week, the sentencing of offenders who are on bail where custody is likely to be imposed. The prison estate is full.

This week we welcome four new tenants to Chambers. @NEDKC_1 is a well respected and sought after silk who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the team.

We’re also delighted that our three pupils have accepted offers of tenancy following completion of their second six. @CharArundale and @benhalegd join the crime team. Adele Rainsford joins the family team.

Sentencing remarks in abortion case judiciary.uk/wp-content/upl…

@jeanettetvcrime Thank you very much Jeanette! 😊

@hayjamesw well done James, I knew you were destined for greatness back at Bar school! Congratulations my friend 🎉❤️

@laura_bayles Thanks Laura!

Congratulations @hayjamesw! 👏👏👏👏

@moodybarrister Thanks James!

In happier news, massive congratulations to all those receiving the wonderful news of their appointments today. A special well done to the very talented @hayjamesw He will be an excellent addition to the bench. judiciary.uk/appointments-a…

I’m in trial this week, but another of my trials was listed to start tomorrow as “it must get on” despite me not being available. Email at 4pm. Court are not able to list due to “lack of judge”. Maybe we need to retain more people in the system. 🤷🏼 @TheCriminalBar

Well, there we are. The votes have been counted and “Yes” has a clear majority. Some people are doubtless happy, some relieved and some angry. I certainly have been surprised at the behaviour of some people; what matters now is that we look out for each other, especially

@benhalegd Welcome, Ben!

The offer from the Government may be ok or it might not be. I am not going to be swayed by silly publicity stunts from Government. Indeed, they make me doubt their bona fides. We are a grown-up profession - treat us as such if you want our Co-operation

The High Court have ruled in the CTL case. While they felt that it was too early for the bar strike to be considered usual, they have put a date on when it will become the norm. Think this leaves us in a very strong position. centralchambers.co.uk/the-ctls-judic…

If we are setting pointless arbitrary targets, why stop at 20%? I expect police to cut murders by 100%. Off you go chaps. independent.co.uk/news/uk/politi…

@aspals @cornwall_street Thank you!

James Hay represents Sandhurst Colour Sergeant #acquitted of ‘Ill-Treatment’ in #CourtMartial cornwallstreet.co.uk/james-hay-repr…

High Court challenge to defendants being freed from prison delayed by Legal Aid blunders | Evening Standard standard.co.uk/news/uk/high-c…

Fabulous photo by @PohleRichard in @thetimes today of @Kirsty_Brimelow, leading @TheCriminalBar's tribute to Queen Elizabeth II, laying a wreath @HonSocGraysInn yesterday afternoon.

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II to His Majesty King Charles III @TheCriminalBar “We pay tribute to the Queen’s steadfast and true public service and offer our deep condolences to His Majesty the King and the Royal Family.” #justice #service #duty