We use cookies to collect anonymous data to help us improve your site browsing experience.

Click 'Accept all cookies' to agree to all cookies that collect anonymous data. To only allow the cookies that make the site work, click 'Use essential cookies only.' Visit 'Set cookie preferences' to control specific cookies.

Cookies Page

Your cookie preferences have been saved. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

Search

What can we help you with today?

Skip to main

Monthly information on Criminal Case Throughput for May 2025

The overall number of scheduled trials in May 2025 have decreased by 773 when compared to last month to 18,355

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

Monthly Workbook

This shows the volumes of cases being progressed each month in the High Court, Sheriff Court and Justice of the Peace Courts for the current financial year, compared against the monthly and weekly averages for historical years, including 2019/20 (pre-COVID). The overall number of scheduled trials in May 2025 have decreased by 773 when compared to last month.

The figures show that during May 2025:

  • The overall level of new cases registered is 81% of the average pre-COVID level.
  • The overall level of cases concluded is 85% of the average pre-COVID level.
  • Petitions, which provide a useful indicator of future solemn business, are 108% of the average monthly pre-COVID level.
  • 3,445 accused arrived from Police custody this was 76% of the average pre-COVID level.
  • The overall number of accused remanded in custody during the period was 79% of the average pre-COVID level. Of those that arrived from Police Custody, 18.5% were remanded.
  • Overall, the courts use of bail was 98% of the average pre-COVID level.
  • Nationally, 28% of trials called were adjourned to a new trial diet. This is an 8-percentage point reduction, compared to 36% pre-COVID and a 31-percentage point reduction when compared to its peak level during the recovery period.
  • There were 1,743 accused who received a warrant for non-appearance at court which is 114% of the average pre-COVID level.
  • The number of Community disposals issued by the courts was 123% of the average pre-COVID level.
  • The National average time between first appearance diet and evidence led trial, where evidence led trial occurred in May 2025 is 31 weeks, compared to the pre-COVID level of 21 weeks and the peak level of 50 weeks during the recovery period.
  • 67 High Court evidence led trials commenced which is 161% of the average pre-COVID level.
  • 95 High Court cases were concluded, which is 141% of the average pre-COVID level.
  • The average time between pleading diet and evidence led trial is 47 weeks for High Court, compared to the pre-COVID level of 22 weeks and the peak level of 66 weeks during the recovery period.
  • 102 sheriff solemn evidence led trials commenced which is 108% of the average pre-COVID level.

  • 545 sheriff solemn cases were concluded which is 112% of the average pre-COVID level.
  • The average time between pleading diet and evidence led trial is 25 weeks for sheriff solemn, compared to the pre-COVID level of 11 weeks and the peak level of 52 weeks during the recovery period.
  • 461 sheriff summary evidence led trials commenced, which is 80% of the average pre-COVID level.
  • 4,920 sheriff summary cases were concluded which is 95% of the average pre-COVID level.
  • The average time between pleading diet and evidence led trial is 31 weeks for sheriff summary, compared to the pre-COVID level of 23 weeks and the peak level of 53 weeks during the recovery period.
  • 1,649 Justice of the Peace cases were concluded which is 60% of the average pre-COVID level.
  • The average time between pleading diet and evidence led trial is 23 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.
General
17 June 2025 Communications