Cases concluded in October reach 84 per cent of pre-Covid level

The figures show that during October 2021:

• The overall level of new cases registered is 81 per cent of the average monthly pre-Covid level.
• Petitions, which provide a useful indicator of future solemn business, are 10 per cent higher than the average monthly pre-Covid level.
• 54 High Court evidence led trials commenced, which is 29 per cent higher than the average pre-Covid level.
• 70 High Court cases were concluded, which is 104 per cent of the average pre-Covid level.
• 70 sheriff solemn evidence led trials commenced which is 74 per cent of the average pre-Covid level.
• 403 sheriff solemn cases were concluded which is 94 per cent of the average pre-Covid level.
• 439 sheriff summary evidence led trials commenced, which is 76 per cent of the average pre-Covid levels
• 4,099 sheriff summary cases were concluded which is 86 per cent of the average pre-Covid level.
• 2,022 Justice of the Peace cases were concluded which is 79 per cent of the average pre-Covid level.

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

“The United Nations Conference of the Parties (COP26) ran from 31 October to 12 November in Glasgow. In order to release police officers to prepare for such a significant international event, Sheriff summary trials and Justice of the Peace trials across Scotland were suspended during the last week of October, with all Sheriff Court and JP court trials then suspended for the duration of COP26.

“The excellent collaboration across the judiciary, justice organisations, the legal profession and the third sector is helping to effectively manage court business, including the ongoing delivery of the recovery programme. We will continue to publish these figures on a monthly basis to illustrate the progress we are making and the challenges still being faced.”