Money is obviously tight at Ministry of Justice headquarters. Legal aid is being squeezed and new court fees were announced last week to funnel another £120m into the coffers.

But Obiter wonders whether lord chancellor Chris Grayling has really probed all possible opportunities for savings.

One such came up at Mold Crown Court last week where, according to the Welsh Daily Post, a murder trial was held up after it emerged that prosecution and defence had instructed the same barrister.

John Philpotts of Linenhall Chambers said he had been instructed by the defence on Friday afternoon, but just 10 minutes before Monday’s hearing he learned that the Crown Prosecution Service also required his services.

The judge adjourned the case for 24 hours while a new prosecutor was found. Let’s hope Grayling doesn’t read the Welsh Daily Post.

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