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

The Central Criminal Court, also known as the Old Bailey, was forced to shut its doors, causing significant disruptions to ongoing cases, after a fire broke out in an electrical substation last Wednesday morning.

The incident resulted in black smoke billowing from the building, plunging courtrooms into darkness and prompting the evacuation of approximately 1,500 individuals. Additionally, two individuals had to be rescued from malfunctioning lifts.

Emergency services swiftly responded to the incident, with four fire engines and 25 firefighters arriving at the scene. The sight of barristers, dressed in their traditional black gowns and wigs, congregating at the front of the building was a spectacle.

As the situation unfolded, defendants were escorted by police through a side exit and transferred to waiting prison vans for their return to jail.

Several high-profile cases were adversely affected by the incident, including the ongoing trial of Constance Marten and Mark Gordon, who stand accused of the manslaughter of their baby daughter. Additionally, the inquest into the tragic deaths resulting from the Reading terror attack was also disrupted.

Following an investigation, the London Fire Brigade determined that the cause of the fire was accidental and not suspicious in nature.

On Friday, Judge Mark Lucraft KC, the Recorder of London, announced that the Old Bailey would reopen at noon on Monday, following emergency repair works to restore power. He emphasized the necessity of conducting various health and safety checks before normal operations could resume.

The Old Bailey holds the distinction of being the world’s most renowned criminal court, handling high-profile cases such as murder and terrorism trials. Due to its significance, the court has long been identified as a potential target for acts of terror. In fact, it suffered severe damage in a car bomb attack by the IRA back in 1973.