A leading judge has warned new laws are causing delays in cases involving alleged attacks on police officers.
Suspects are now charged with assaulting an emergency worker. Their trials often go to Nottingham Crown Court rather than being dealt with by magistrates.
Judge Gregory Dickinson QC, the Recorder of Nottingham, raised his concerns while dealing with a case where a man denied the offence. The evidence is that a policewoman was pushed and did not get injured.
Because of a backlog of cases, a trial was set for August 10 next year at the crown court. The judge said the wait was "not fair on the complainant, witnesses or the defendant."
He added: "When they are referred to the crown court, it means delays are getting longer and longer with every passing month.
"It is not fair on anyone involved. It is a delay of 11 months. Soon it will be 12 months."
People used to be charged with obstructing police officers in their execution of their duty, matters which were usually handled by JPs.
Get the most important news straight in your inbox before 9am every day - sign up to Nottinghamshire Live's newsletter. No complicated forms to fill out, just enter your email address in the black box at the top of this page.
