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<table><tbody><tr><td><p>There are two main sources of data on defendants failing
to appear (FTA). Data on trials where the defendant fails to appear in the magistrates’
court shows that there has been an increase between 2015 and 2017. <table><tbody><tr><td
colspan="3"><p><strong>FTA</strong></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>2015</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>2016</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>2017</strong></p></td></tr><tr><td><p>63141</p></td><td><p>65922</p></td><td><p>67411</p></td></tr></tbody></table>In
the same time period there has been little change in the total number of warrants
issued for failure to attend in magistrates’ courts for all hearings.<table><tbody><tr><td
colspan="3"><p><strong>Numbers of FTA warrants issued</strong></p></td></tr><tr><td><p><strong>2015</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>2016</strong></p></td><td><p><strong>2017</strong></p></td></tr><tr><td><p>92983</p></td><td><p>92862</p></td><td><p>93317</p></td></tr></tbody></table>Figures
for warrants are broader, including warrants that relate not only to trials but also
all other hearings and those issued for failure to comply with the requirements of
an order or breach on summons in relation to an order. Analysts in HMCTS and MoJ have
confirmed we cannot be sure of the causes of changes in FTA. Data on non-appearance
of witnesses is not held by the Ministry of Justice or HMCTS.</p></td></tr></tbody></table>
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