The High Courts at Edinburgh and in Glasgow and Dumbarton.
by BILL HEANEY
Scottish Liberal Democrat justice spokesperson Yi-pei Chou Turvey MSP has today warned SNP ministers about the “domino effect” of a forecasted increase in trial waiting times for those accused of the most serious crimes.
The time before people accused of the most serious crimes appear at a High Court trial is set to triple by 2028.
Forecasts by the Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service estimate that the average wait will increase from 50 weeks to 135 weeks.
Chou-Turvey highlighted the impact of the increase on victims and prison overcrowding.
Yi-pei Chou Turvey MSP said: “It’s extremely worrying to see such a huge forecast increase.
“It will inevitably have a domino effect across our justice system, and the SNP must not ignore the consequences.
“These waits will directly impact victims, who may feel less willing or able to engage with the process as more time passes following the initial crime.
“They will also drive up the numbers of prisoners who are being held on remand, worsening the prison overcrowding crisis and making it ever-more difficult for staff to work with inmates to cut reoffending.
“The SNP need to face up to this reality and produce a clear, credible plan for supporting our justice system- that has been utterly lacking so far. A key part of that is a more modernised prosecution service that is well-resourced and well-equipped to meet the demands it faces.”