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

The Central Criminal Court, also known as the Old Bailey, was forced to close its doors after a fire broke out last Wednesday morning in an electrical substation. The incident caused significant disruption to ongoing cases, and the courtrooms were plunged into darkness as black smoke billowed from the building.

A total of 1,500 people, including court staff, lawyers, and visitors, were swiftly evacuated from the premises. Firefighters arrived on the scene promptly, with four fire engines and 25 firefighters tackling the blaze. The emergency response was met with a gathering of barristers in their traditional black gowns and wigs at the front of the building.

Amid the chaos, defendants were seen being escorted by police out of a side exit and into waiting prison vans, where they were transported back to jail. The disruption affected numerous high-profile cases, including the manslaughter trial of Constance Marten and Mark Gordon, who are accused of the death of their baby daughter. Additionally, the inquest into the victims of the tragic Reading terror attack was also impacted.

London Fire Brigade has confirmed that the fire was accidental and is not being treated as suspicious. However, the incident has raised concerns about the safety and security of the Old Bailey, which is renowned as the world’s most famous criminal court. Due to its involvement in major criminal cases, such as murder and terrorism trials, the court maintains high levels of security.

Addressing the situation, Judge Mark Lucraft KC, the Recorder of London, announced that the Old Bailey would reopen at noon on Monday after emergency repair works to restore power. He emphasized the need for thorough health and safety checks before normal business could resume.

It is worth noting that this is not the first time the Old Bailey has faced security threats. In the past, it has been identified as a high-value target for terrorist attacks and suffered severe damage from an IRA car bomb in 1973.