Planned Criminal Bar Association Strike Action – January 2025
Members of the Criminal Bar Association have announced their intention to withdraw their services from criminal trials due to be held in the Crown Court from 6th January to 31st January 2025.
This means that defence barristers will not present cases in the Crown Court. This is likely to cause significant disruption to criminal cases.
If you are a victim or a witness in a case that is unable to proceed due to the strike action, you will be contacted by the Victim and Witness Care Unit. The Public Prosecution Service and NI Courts & Tribunals Service are working with criminal justice partners to re-schedule trials as quickly as possible, with priority given to the most vulnerable victims and witnesses.
We understand that this disruption will be disappointing and distressing for some victims and witnesses. Our staff and volunteers are available to offer emotional and practical support to anyone affected by this issue and can be contacted through this website or on the following numbers:
Belfast hub – 028 9024 3133
Foyle hub – 028 7137 0086
Please note that the Victim Support NI offices will be closed 25th Dec – 1st Jan inc. We reopen at 9am on Thursday 2nd Jan, 2025. During this closure, there are a number of support helplines or organisations that can be accessed 24/7 should you need support:
Domestic & Sexual Abuse Helpline: 0808 802 1414
Lifeline: 0808 808 8000
The Samaritans 116 123
The Rowan SARC 0800 389 4424
Police Service NI 101, or 999 in an emergency