Coronavirus (COVID-19): Justice Analytical Services data report - July 2020

Second release of a monthly data report on how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the justice system in Scotland, including information from Police Scotland, Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, courts and prisons.

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Criminal Registered & Scheduled Trials

Current Operational Guidelines

There were 18,390estimated trials outstanding prior to lockdown.

Between 25 March and 3 June all court business was consolidated into 10 sheriff hub courts. From 3 June, a number of additional 'hubs' were also opened to support custody business. All courts are now open although custodies continue to be managed at 18 specified court locations listed here (in Lothian & Borders custodies are processed locally with the exception of public holidays where they will call in either Edinburgh or Livingston as per the Sheriff Principals practice note).

Summary criminal business is now being programmed into all courts. Trial courts are programmed where custody trials and trials with vulnerable witnesses remain a priority. Custody trials remain a priority. All undertakings will attend local courts.

Criminal Registrations

Since lockdown, there have been 29,993 criminal registrations in the courts. 149 of these registrations have been COVID-19 related (0.5%).

On average since the beginning of lockdown:

  • The number of indictments registered in the High Court remains around 19-20 average levels.
  • The number of indictments (solemn cases) and complaints (summary cases) registered in the Sheriff Court is 25% lower than the 19-20 average.
  • Complaints registered in the JP court are 47% lower than 19-20 levels.
Cases Registered 19-20 weekly average Weekly average since lockdown Change from 19-20 weekly average Outstanding trials pre lockdown (Approx.)
Indictments
High Court 20 17 -3 (-15%) 390
Sheriff Court 105 79 -26 (-25%) 500
Complaints
Sheriff Court 1,254 941 -313 (-25%) 14,000
JP Court 640 340 -300 (-47%) 3,500

Contact

Email: Justice_Analysts@gov.scot

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