Jury trials are finally set to resume – with the help of cinemas

Criminal trials involving a jury are due to finally restart in Kirkcaldy and Perth, using cinema complexes in different towns.

While the Covid-19 lockdown has led to a huge backlog in criminal cases across Scotland, moves to resume jury trials in every sheriffdom in the country have been welcomed by the Crown Office, solicitors and members of the public in general.

The first jury trials for months will restart at Kirkcaldy, Perth and Falkirk sheriff courts today, linked to jury centres at Dunfermline and Dundee Odeons, while trials at Greenock and Dumbarton will be linked to remote jury centres in the Odeon Braehead in Glasgow.

David Fraser, executive director of court operations at the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service, moved to reassure any fears potential jurors and witnesses may have.

“We recognise the concern and impact on the accused, victims and witnesses of any further delay in jury trials,” he said.

“The jury centres are large ventilated spaces, with physical distancing for jurors at all times and are fully equipped with all the necessary precautions of face coverings, hand-washing facilities and hand sanitisers.”

Dundee Sheriff Court restarted solemn trials linked to the remote jury centre at the Odeon Cinema last week, while jury trials will also get under way in Inverness on February 8 linked to the remote jury centre at the Eden Court complex.

Aberdeen Sheriff Court and the High Court in Aberdeen will recommence jury trials on February 15 linked to the remote jury centre at the Vue cinema complex.

Odeon cinemas will host most of the jury centres.