Politicians back SLN 140-day rule campaign

Conservative justice spokeswoman Margaret Mitchell (pictured right) said her party had opposed the extension of the rule from 110 days to 140 back in 2005 and said the routine flouting of the rule was a “huge issue”.

She added: “It had worked well for centuries, it seems strange that we had to increase it given advances in technology which, if anything, should have increased efficiency.”

Ms Mitchell also said there was “no hiding place for the SNP” and pointed to their defence of the Human Rights Act while failing in their responsibility to implement the guarantees it provides.

Liberal Democrat justice spokeswoman Alison McInnes (pictured right) said: “The Scottish government needs to pay attention to what lawyers are saying on this.

“The 140 day rule is there for a reason – and reports that it is being breached are extremely concerning. Excessive time on remand awaiting trial is unjust.

“Unfortunately, the pressures on our criminal justice system will continue to grow thanks to the SNP’s rushed court reforms.”