Proposed court closures requires full consultation

Papers from the Scottish Court Service have revealed that they might close 15 of Scotland's 49 Sheriff Courts. The downgrading of the remaining Sheriff Courts could then lead to only 14 being able to host jury trials – a drop of 70%.

Scottish Conservative Justice Spokesman, David McLetchie MSP said:

"A reduction in the number of courts should only be made if the capacity for processing criminal and civil cases is not adversely affected.

"This review should not become another opportunity for the SNP Government to pursue its soft touch agenda by reducing the number of cases which are prosecuted in favour of prosecutors issuing more warnings and fiscal fines.

"These proposed changes require a full consultation, especially in rural areas where the presence of a local court can save time and money.

"Simply closing courts without properly examining the consequences will expose ministers to charges of pursuing a soft-touch agenda which short changes the victims of crime."

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