Courts publish criminal trial data for April

Criminal cases progressed during April in Scotland's courts were below average levels, but account should be taken of the Easter holiday period, according to Scottish Courts & Tribunals Service as it published its latest monthly workbook to show throughput since the COVID-19 pandemic. 

During the month, 34 High Court evidence led trials began and 53 were concluded, respectively 19% and 21% lower than the pre-COVID average, and comparing with 51 and 64 trials in March. Meanwhile petitions, which provide a useful indicator of future solemn business, continued at a high level, 24% above the average monthly pre-COVID level. 

Also, 84 sheriff solemn evidence led trials commenced, down from 100 in March and 11% lower than the pre-COVID average, while 463 were concluded, 8% higher than the pre-COVID average. 

Evidence led summary trials in the sheriff courts rose from 43% to 61% of the pre-COVID average, reflecting the easing of court restrictions in mid-April. 

The overall level of new cases registered was 85% of the average monthly pre-COVID level, compared with 86% in March.

David Fraser, executive director, Court Operations at SCTS commented: "Jury trials in the High Court and sheriff courts continue to operate at pre-COVID capacity following the successful introduction of remote jury centres. With the resumption of sheriff court summary criminal trials on 19 April, these have already returned to 61% of the pre-COVID average. The next stages of restrictions easing will see a gradual increase in some sheriff courts summary trial loadings from 17 May, where this can be safely accommodated, and the re-starting of justice of the peace business from 7 June. 

"The excellent collaboration across the judiciary, justice organisations, the legal profession and the third sector has helped get court business back on track and this will remain crucial in planning for the recovery programme commencing in September. We will continue to publish these figures on a monthly basis to illustrate the progress we are making and the challenges still being faced."

The workbook is available at this link.