Waiting times for trial revealed in SCTS monthly data

Criminal case throughput in the Scottish courts rose during February but remained below pre-COVID levels in most categories, according to the latest monthly workbook from Scottish Courts & Tribunals Service.

For the first time the published figures include the average time between pleading diet and concluded evidence led trials. These show waiting times of 48 weeks for High Court trials, compared to a pre-COVID average of 22 weeks; 44 weeks for sheriff solemn cases compared to 11 weeks; 52 weeks for sheriff summary cases compared to 23 weeks; and 56 weeks in the JP court compared to 22 weeks.

The figures also show the overall level of cases concluded at 92% of the average pre-COVID level, up from 77% in January and 84% in December. New cases registered were 71% of the average pre-COVID level (down from 78% and 82% in the preceding months); petitions, which provide a useful indicator of future solemn business, were 16% higher than the pre-COVID average (January's figure was 26% higher; December's 4% higher).

Also in February:

• 54 High Court evidence led trials commenced, 130% of the average pre-COVID level (January's figure was 47; December's 30);
• 57 High Court cases were concluded, 85% of the average pre-COVID level (January: 45; December: 56);
• 78 sheriff solemn evidence led trials commenced, 83% of the average pre-COVID level (January: 56; December: 52);
• 427 sheriff solemn cases were concluded, 99% of the average pre-COVID level (January: 357; December: 363);
• 552 sheriff summary evidence led trials commenced, 95% of the average pre-COVID level (January: 427; December: 422);
• 4,995 sheriff summary cases were concluded, 105% of the average pre-COVID level (January: 4,126; December: 4,410);
• 1,741 justice of the peace cases were concluded, 68% of the average pre-COVID level (January: 1,513; December: 1,781).

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

"The average time between pleading diet and concluded evidence led trial has been included in the report for the first time. This provides a further insight to the throughput of criminal cases and the ongoing impact of COVID-19."

Access the workbook at www.scotcourts.gov.uk/official-statistics