Constance Marten : Old Bailey Reopens After Fire: A Historic Courthouse Returns to Business

A fire that broke out last Wednesday morning in an electrical substation has forced the closure of the Central Criminal Court, also known as the Old Bailey, causing significant disruption to ongoing cases. The incident led to the evacuation of 1,500 individuals and the rescue of two people who were trapped in lifts as black smoke filled the building and courtrooms were plunged into darkness.

Upon the outbreak of the fire, four fire engines and 25 firefighters were promptly dispatched to the scene. Meanwhile, barristers, donned in their distinctive black gowns and wigs, gathered at the front of the building, creating a somber atmosphere. Defendants, escorted by police, were seen exiting through a side exit and being transported to prison vans to be returned to jail.

This unfortunate incident has affected numerous cases, including the ongoing trial of Constance Marten and Mark Gordon, who are facing charges of manslaughter in relation to the death of their baby daughter. Additionally, the inquest into the tragic deaths of the victims of the Reading terror attack has also been impacted.

Following a thorough investigation, the London Fire Brigade has determined that the fire was accidental and not suspicious in nature. As a result, the incident is not being treated as a criminal act.

However, it will take emergency works to restore power and various health and safety checks before normal business can resume at the Old Bailey. Judge Mark Lucraft KC, the Recorder of London, announced that the building is expected to reopen at noon on Monday.

As the world’s most renowned criminal court, the Old Bailey handles high-profile cases involving murder and terrorism trials. Due to its status, the court has implemented stringent security measures. In the past, it has been the target of terrorist attacks and suffered extensive damage in a car bomb incident carried out by the IRA in 1973.