Large sums unpaid in criminal compensation orders, figures reveal

Substantial sums remain unpaid from compensation orders made against offenders in Scottish courts, according to figures obtained through a freedom of information request.

The Herald reports today that out of orders totalling £9.4m made since 2011, £837,515 remains outstanding.

Of that, £309,885 relates to the most recent year, 2017-18, but a further £305,127 dates from 2014-15 – out of a total of £1,692,583 in orders made that year, higher than the £1.2-1.3m totals typical of most years.

Scottish Courts & Tribunals said enforcement mechanisms were in place and an automated process allowed any default to be detected early. 

"Consistently strong collection rates are the clearest indicator that the SCTS is committed to rigorously enforcing all orders", a spokesperson added.