The number now sits at its highest since recording began, having increased by 28 per cent to 3,354 in the year to the end of March 2024.

Such cases involve an alternative to court proceedings. Accused persons may be referred to social work departments for support in treatment in order to prevent reoffending.

Prosecutors must determine if there is an identifiable need which contributed to the accused person’s behaviour and if diversion from prosecution would be in the public interest.

Young people are more likely to be diverted from prosecution and just over half of those who are diverted are unemployed.

In addition, bail supervision cases as well as structured deferred sentences have also reached the highest levels on record, the latest justice social work statistics from the Scottish government show.