IN MY VIEW

I’VE worked as a solicitor for more than 30 years.

I know there are just far too many trials being set down now, and we know they don’t have a hope of all being heard.

You now see witnesses, who are often already unsure about going to court, getting fed up with the delays and walking out.

For most people it’s a big deal going to court, whether they are a victim, an accused, witness or a juror. When they are told the trial’s not happening then it undermines our justice system.

I know if I walk in the courthouse at 10 am there’s usually little chance of getting started before 11.30 am.

You get caught in this administrative mess and you know it’s wasting your time, the witnesses’ time and eating into the trials which are all ready to go.

It would be nice if I could criticise one department or one person but I know the fiscals have impossible workloads and the sheriffs are trying to make the best of a bad situation, as are the defence agents.

A big part of the problem is the fiscals don’t have as much discretion as they used to. They are forced to prosecute cases they know are not going to go the distance, but cases have to be presented regardless.

They say the court closures have nothing to do with it but there’s increased demand and fewer resources. The closure of courts in Arbroath and Cupar definitely played a part in Dundee

becoming more busy.