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

The Central Criminal Court, famously known as the Old Bailey, was forced to close its doors, causing disruption to numerous ongoing cases, after a fire broke out in an electrical substation on Wednesday morning.

The incident resulted in thick black smoke billowing from the building, engulfing the courtrooms in darkness. As a result, approximately 1,500 individuals had to be evacuated, with two individuals requiring rescue from the lifts.

Emergency services swiftly responded to the incident, with four fire engines and 25 firefighters called to the scene. The chaotic scene saw barristers, donning their traditional black gowns and wigs, congregate outside the building.

Defendants involved in ongoing trials were observed being escorted by the police through a side exit and subsequently loaded onto prison vans to be transported back to jail.

Among the cases significantly impacted by the closure were the trial of Constance Marten and Mark Gordon, who stand accused of the manslaughter of their baby daughter. Additionally, the inquest into the tragic deaths of the victims of the Reading terror attack was also affected.

The London Fire Brigade has deemed the cause of the fire as “accidental” and is not treating it as suspicious.

Addressing the situation 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. The judge emphasized that comprehensive health and safety assessments needed to be conducted before normal court proceedings could resume.

The Old Bailey, renowned as the world’s most prominent criminal court, handles major criminal cases, including those involving murder and terrorism. Due to its significance, the court has been identified as a high-value target for potential terrorist attacks. Notably, it endured substantial damage during an IRA car bomb attack in 1973.