Constance Marten : “Old Bailey Reopens After Fire: Historic Courthouse Ready for Business”

The Central Criminal Court, also known as the Old Bailey, experienced a significant disruption last Wednesday morning when a fire broke out in an electrical substation. The incident led to the closure of the court, affecting numerous ongoing cases and causing inconvenience to the legal system.

As the fire blazed, black smoke billowed from the building, engulfing the surroundings. The courtrooms were plunged into darkness, creating chaos and confusion among court personnel and attendees. In response to the emergency, approximately 1,500 individuals present in the court were promptly evacuated to ensure their safety. Additionally, two individuals had to be rescued from lifts, adding to the intensity of the situation.

The emergency response to the fire was swift, with four fire engines and 25 firefighters called to the scene. The sight of barristers, donned in their traditional black gowns and wigs, gathering at the front of the building added to the dramatic atmosphere.

Amidst the commotion, defendants involved in ongoing trials were seen being escorted by police out of a side exit. They were then transferred into waiting prison vans to be returned to jail, highlighting the disruption caused to their legal proceedings.

The fire incident had far-reaching consequences, affecting a number of significant cases. Notably, the trial of Constance Marten and Mark Gordon, accused of the manslaughter of their baby daughter, was interrupted. Additionally, the inquest into the deaths of the victims of the Reading terror attack was also impacted.

According to the London Fire Brigade, the cause of the fire was determined to be accidental, with no suspicions of arson. However, the incident served as a reminder of the importance of fire safety measures in such crucial institutions.

After the necessary emergency repairs were carried out to restore power, Judge Mark Lucraft KC, the Recorder of London, announced on Friday that the Old Bailey would reopen at noon on Monday. However, he emphasized the need for various health and safety checks before normal business could resume, ensuring the well-being of all those involved.

The Old Bailey holds a prestigious position as the world’s most renowned criminal court. Due to its significance in handling major criminal cases, including murder and terrorism trials, the court maintains high levels of security. Over the years, it has been identified as a potential target for terrorism due to its symbolic value. In fact, the court suffered significant damage in a car bomb attack carried out by the IRA in 1973.