New Sheriff Appeal Court holds first sitting

Scotland’s new Sheriff Appeal Court held its first sitting yesterday.

The court hears appeals from sheriff and justice of the peace courts, removing this business from the Supreme Courts.

It is presided over by sheriffs drawing on their experience and knowledge of summary criminal cases.

During an opening ceremony, Sheriff Principal Mhairi Stephen QC, president of the Sheriff Appeal Court, said: “The court represents a once in a lifetime opportunity to create and develop a new appeal court for a modern Scotland.

“Today is the historic first sitting of the court to hear appeals from decisions of sheriffs and justices of the peace across Scotland.

“I have always thought that the sheriff court, with its wide jurisdiction, is truly the people’s court where the vast majority of the population come into contact with the justice system, be it civil or criminal.

“This appeal court must develop and demonstrate that the people of Scotland can have confidence in its work and decision making.”

The establishment of the court is part of the Scottish civil court reforms recommended by Lord Gill. It currently has jurisdiction in criminal cases, but from early next year will also have jurisdiction in civil cases.

Sheriff Principal Stephen and Sheriff Principal Craig Scott QC, vice president of the court, presided over the first case to be called in the court.

They refused an appeal against a sentence of 81 days handed down at Glasgow Sheriff Court to a first offender who embezzled £4,000 from his employer while working in a Co-operative store.

The sheriff had imposed imprisonment based on aggravating factors, including the fact that there had been no restitution.