Victims are suffering due to a lack of resources in Scottish Courts which are causing court closures and delays according to critics. The criticism comes after figures were released showing that cases in Glasgow’s domestic abuse court were taking twice as long to complete than expected.
The figures, which came as part of a Freedom of Information request, showed that cases took 16 weeks from case calling to conclude, with one case taking 75 weeks.
Not Connected to Lack of Funding
Figures also showed that the power of attorney registration, where family members look after the estate of the vulnerable or elderly, went from an average 30 day to 20 weeks. Despite claims that the longer process was due to a lack of funding in the Scottish courts, the Scottish Court Service (SCS) said that delays were not connected.
Despite this, the SCSe says it has invested more in courts to try and improve services.
Mhairi McGowan, head of specialist support agency Assist, said the agency was aware of certain cases taking up to two years and that it was punishing the victims who, as a result, could not move on from their ordeals.
She said: “If we can deal with cases within six to eight weeks that reduces repeat incidents, holds people to account quickly and means the victim does not have it hanging over them.
"It really makes a difference to people's lives and it is really up to us as institutions and as a society to make sure the justice system is providing what the public require."
Further Closures Expected
This year has seen 13 courts closures in Scotland to save money, with further closures expected in January, Although there have been significant cuts and closures, figures from SCS shows that there has been a 10% increase in sheriff cases being heard since March 2014.
Eric McQueen, chief executive said of the SCS, said: "There is no doubt that over the last year and a half the reporting and detection of crimes, including sexual, domestic abuse and road traffic offences, has surged, reflecting the proactive policing and prosecution and greater victim confidence to report crimes.
"While associations have been made with court closures, this simply muddies the water.
"The SCS equally has no doubt that the physical court capacity exists to deal effectively with this increased volume of business.
"Additional judiciary, court staff and fiscal staff have been deployed to use the court capacity available, ensuring the additional volume of business is dealt with effectively by the courts.
He added: "We are implementing court programming to provide for the majority of summary trials to be held within 16 weeks of a not guilty pleas being tendered.
Impact on Victim
The Law Society of Scotland criticised the cuts by the SCS and stated they were concerned about the lack of resources to settle cases quickly.
Kim Leslie, convener of the society's civil justice committee said: "The impact of a delay on a victim is extraordinary.
"The idea of having to wait longer for your case to be heard can only be putting pressure on victims, witnesses, everyone involved in the process."
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