I work in a Magistrates Court and believe me we don't try to keep people on remand for as long as possible.We have Government targets to meet but there are so many reasons why trials are not ready on the day,witnesses are not warned or simply don't come to court,the CPS suddenly produces new evidence which needs to be looked at before the trial proceeds,the prisoner is not produced for court because there is a staff shortage and no-one to bring them,the list is endless.It is very frustrating for all concerned when this happens but theres not a lot we can do.