This Q3 data release covers the 3-month period 1 October to 31 December 2020, with the previous three quarters provided to illustrate trends. The impact of the first national lockdown on the Criminal Justice System in 2020 continues to be reflected in the Q3 20/21 data. Nationally there are significantly more cases in the court system then in February 2020.
In November 2025, the CPS West Midlands Magistrates’ and Crown Court units successfully prosecuted various hate crime cases. Below are some of the cases.
The circumstances in which a re-trial might be necessary are where:
a jury cannot reach a verdict
a jury is discharged prior to the conclusion of their deliberations
magistrates cannot reach a verdict
the Court of Appeal quashes a conviction
there is a tainted acquittal: the legal framework is in sections 54 to 57 Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act 1996 and Criminal Procedure Rule 27 applies
a defendant is acquitted and it is proposed they are investigated or prosecuted for the same serious offence (“double jeopardy”): this is dealt with in the separate Retrial of Serious Offences prosecution guidance.
James Agius, 50, appeared at Thames Magistrates’ Court for a first hearing this afternoon, Friday, 8 May, and will next appear at Stratford Magistrates’ Court on 15 June 2026 for trial.
This guidance sets out the factors to be considered when reviewing cases and prosecuting offences classified as racist or religious hate crime. It also addresses the approach to be taken in other cases where race or religion are a factor.
