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New look monthly workbook addresses gaps in publicly available data

The monthly criminal case throughput figures for October show the number of scheduled trials has reduced by a further 1,055 to 22,306. The workbook has been refreshed to include data on, remand and bail, trial adjournments and sentencing amongst others.

The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service has published today the latest monthly workbook to show the throughput of criminal cases in our courts.

As part of our commitment to openness and transparency, and following consultation with key stakeholders, the monthly criminal case throughput workbook has been updated to include new data on:

  • Arrivals from police custody
  • Remand and bail.
  • Trial diet adjournments.
  • Accused non-appearance warrants.
  • Sentencing data.

The monthly workbook has now been running for 4 years and the new look and refresh is designed to address gaps in publicly available data.

Monthly Workbook

This shows the volumes of cases being progressed each month in the High Court, Sheriff Court and Justice of the Peace Courts from April 2020, compared against the monthly averages for 2019/20 (pre-COVID). The figures show that during October 2024:

  • The overall level of new cases registered is 89% of the average pre-COVID level.
  • The overall level of cases concluded is 104% of the average pre-COVID level.
  • Petitions, which provide a useful indicator of future solemn business, are 5% lower when compared with the average monthly pre-COVID level.
  • 3,532 accused arrived from Police custody this was 78% of the average pre-COVID level.
  • The overall number of accused remanded in custody during the period was 73% of the average pre-COVID level. Of those that arrived from Police Custody, just over 16% were remanded.
  • Overall, the courts use of bail was 98% of the average pre-COVID level.
  • Nationally, 29% of trials called were adjourned to a new trial diet. This is a 7-percentage point reduction, compared to 36% pre-COVID and a 30-percentage point reduction when compared to its peak level during the recovery period.     
  • There were 1,969 accused who received a warrant for non-appearance at court which is 129% of the average pre-COVID level.
  • The number of Community disposals issued by the courts was 141% of the average pre-COVID level.
  • The National average time between first appearance diet and evidence led trial, where evidence led trial occurred in October 2024 is 34 weeks, compared to the pre-COVID level of 21 weeks and the peak level of 50 weeks during the recovery period.
  • 74 High Court evidence led trials commenced which is 178% of the average pre-COVID level.
  • 92 High Court cases were concluded, which is 137% of the average pre-COVID level.
  • The average time between pleading diet and evidence led trial is 41 weeks for High Court, compared to the pre-COVID level of 22 weeks and the peak level of 66 weeks during the recovery period.
  • 109 sheriff solemn evidence led trials commenced which is 115% of the average pre-COVID level.
  • 664 sheriff solemn cases were concluded which is 136% of the average pre-COVID level.
  • The average time between pleading diet and evidence led trial is 32 weeks for sheriff solemn, compared to the pre-COVID level of 11 weeks and the peak level of 52 weeks during the recovery period.
  • 565 sheriff summary evidence led trials commenced, which is 98% of the average pre-COVID level.
  • 6,021 sheriff summary cases were concluded which is 116% of the average pre-COVID level.
  • The average time between pleading diet and evidence led trial is 34 weeks for sheriff summary, compared to the pre-COVID level of 23 weeks and the peak level of 53 weeks during the recovery period.
  • 2,033 Justice of the Peace cases were concluded which is 74% of the average pre-COVID level.
  • The average time between pleading diet and evidence led trial is 28 weeks for Justice of the Peace, compared to the pre-COVID level of 22 weeks and the peak level of 60 weeks during the recovery period.
Inverness Justice Centre courtroom
General
19 November 2024 Communications