City MP Alice Mcdonald has slammed the legal systems claiming "women and girls, who are the victims of violent sexual assault, are being let down".

The blistering attack comes as the waiting times for sexual offences to get to court spikes across the region.

Now the Norwich North MP has spoken in the Commons to demand action from the judiciary and demanded MPs back the government's scheme to fast-track assault cases. 

The issue was raised in the House of Commons on WednesdayThe issue was raised in the House of Commons on Wednesday (Image: Newsquest)

As of January the average UK wait time for defendants on bail is 358 days but research shows those in Norfolk could be waiting until June 2026.

Ms Mcdonald said: "Women and girls, who are the victims of violent sexual assault, are being let down by our current judicial system.

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"Too many cases are moving far too slowly in Norfolk.

"It is an unacceptable lack of justice for victims and something that we must fix with all haste.

Norwich North MP, Alice Macdonald, said victims of violent sexual assault are being let down by the current judicial systemNorwich North MP, Alice Macdonald, said victims of violent sexual assault are being let down by the current judicial system (Image: Newsquest)

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"This is a truly appalling legacy and clearly victims have been let down for too long by the Conservatives, but I am hopeful that a Labour government will begin to turn the tide."

Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) for Norfolk, Sarah Taylor, has also made tackling violence against women and girls a top priority since her election victory in May this year.

In a recent consultation with the public PCC Taylor outlined issues for police to prioritise over the next four years, with one helping tackle violence against women and girls.

It said: "To keep people across the county safe whether in their homes, workplaces and places of leisure. 

"This could be from harassment, stalking, rape, sexual assault, murder, honour-based abuse and coercive controlling behaviour." 

PCC Taylor was contacted for comment regarding Ms Macdonald's comments and the court wait times.

Norwich Crown and County CourtNorwich Crown and County Court (Image: Newsquest)