Lockdown hits SCTS monthly throughput figures

The impact of the current COVID-19 lockdown on criminal court business is shown in the latest monthly throughput figures from Scottish Courts & Tribunals Service. 

While remote jury centres enabled 43 High Court evidence led trials to commence during January, which compares with the average monthly pre-COVID level of 42, and 30 such trials took place in sheriff courts as remote jury centres were further rolled out, evidence led summary sheriff court trials were 30% of the average pre-COVID level. The latter figure was expected following the adjournment of non-priority and non-custody trials announced on 11 January.

The overall level of new cases registered was 65% of the average monthly pre-COVID level; petitions, which provide a useful indicator of future solemn business reduced to their lowest level in nine months, at 5% lower than the average monthly pre-COVID level. 

The total volume of cases concluded, with or without trial, was 3,070, or 39% of the average monthly pre-COVID level, compared with 76% in December and 80% in November.

David Fraser, chief of court operations at SCTS, commented: "Our court buildings continue to operate in accordance with guidance from Public Health Scotland to safeguard our staff, judiciary and court users. 

"We announced on 12 February 2021 that non-custody and non-priority summary trials due to call until the end of March will be adjourned and we anticipate that this will increase the summary trial backlog further. Solemn business continues to be prioritised and since the first full month’s criminal programme in September, we can see further progress towards pre-COVID levels."