Mixed response to plans for juryless sexual crimes trials

LAWYERS have voiced their opposition to proposals for juryless trials in serious sex crime cases. A cross-justice review group has recommended that a new specialist court which operates with “trauma-informed” practices and procedures should be created to deal with such cases in Scotland.

The review group was principally tasked with improving the experience of complainers in sexual offence cases within the Scottish court system, without compromising the rights of the accused.

One of its recommendations is that consideration should be given to developing a time-limited pilot of single-judge, rape trials to ascertain their effectiveness and how they are perceived by complainers, accused people and lawyers.

The Scottish Criminal Bar Association (SCBA) has raised concerns about the proposal.

Its president, Tony Lenehan, said: “Any real improvement in the process of delivering justice is welcomed but the voice of the unjustly accused should be heard as loudly as any other group.

“Innocent men and women end up in the same dock as the guilty every day of every week. Our citizens form sensible, balanced and experienced decision-making juries who separate the guilty from the rest with care and insight.

Sandy Brindley, chief executive of Rape Crisis Scotland, left, said: “The report of the review group, chaired by Lady Dorrian, is important and necessary.

“The recommendations are bold, evidence-based and have the potential to transform Scotland’s response to sexual crime.

“This is a unique opportunity for Scotland to lead the way internationally in improving access to justice for people who have experienced sexual crime.”