Dozens of crimes were fast tracked through the courts over the Olympics, it has been revealed

A total of 84 crimes were fast tracked through the courts during the London 2012 Games, with cases at Olympic sites and offences against Olympians and visiting dignataries disposed of much more swiftly.

The courts drew up the plans to fast track “Olympic offences”, inspired partly by the fast work of the courts after last summer’s disorder.
So far, it has been revealed that 84 such cases have been listed at London magistrates’ courts.

Of these, 36 have already been dealt with by the magistrates' courts and 28 cases have been sent or committed to the crown court.

All these crown court cases had a preliminary hearing within eight days of being commited and 10 of the cases were disposed of at this stage. There are still 20 cases going through the magistrates' courts and 18 cases through the crown courts.

Courts Minister Jonathan Djanogly said: “I am impressed by the dedication and commitment of the courts in dealing efficiently with these cases.

“It was another example, following the summer disturbances last year, of how flexible and effective the criminal justice system can be.”