The Department of Public Prosecutions was in the dock during Monday’s arraignment hearing for failing to be prepared.

More than 20 defendants appeared before Puisne Judge Juan Wolffe for the monthly session.

However, many cases could not move forward because the Crown had failed to provide defence lawyers with documents outlining the case for the prosecution.

Defence lawyers pointed out that often they had only received disclosure documents minutes before Monday’s session started.

An exasperated Mr Justice Wolffe repeatedly had to ask prosecutor Carrington Mahoney why papers had not been filed earlier.

He said: “Why is it not possible for the Crown to send disclosure before today? Why is it only done on the day of arraignments?

“It just prolongs things. I am slowly bubbling with frustration.

“I’m trying to take a pragmatic stance but it seems to me that work doesn’t get done on an order on the day the order is made and the matter falls between the cracks. It boggles the mind.

“I am fighting to speak in a measured tone. It is thwarting our efforts to get matters moving. I don’t get it.”

Last month Mr Justice Wolffe criticised the DPP for failing to attend a sentencing hearing.

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