Birmingham Crown Court closure update after power cut forces all-day shutdown

The National Grid and HM Courts and Tribunal Service have issued statements

Birmingham Crown Court has remained closed all day due to a power cut with authorities unable to say when it will re-open. Staff and security were forced to turn people away from the main building at Newton Street in the city centre this morning, Tuesday, September 24.

Defendants, witnesses, jurors, lawyers and even judges were among those denied entry as the courthouse was plunged into darkness. Power was restored briefly only to falter again, sources told Birmingham Live, as jurors were ultimately sent home.

The National Grid confirmed a network fault had been affecting the building. It said power was being supplied to a back-up generator with which there was also a 'minor maintenance issue'.

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HM Courts and Tribunal Service (HMCTS) was unable to say when the courthouse would be able to re-open. It confirmed cases were being held in other facilities to minimise disruption and the relevant people were being contacted and updated.

A HMCTS spokesman said: "Birmingham Crown Court has been temporarily closed due to a power cut and works are taking place to restore power. Priority hearings and cases have been listed at Maple House and Birmingham Annexe and there is minimal disruption as a result."