£950,000 centre to help spare children from court

PLANS have been announced for a new £950,000 centre to enable children and vulnerable adults to give evidence without attending court.

The centre will mean more of these witnesses will be able to record their evidence for criminal trials in advance.

Based in Glasgow, it will include hearing suites and vulnerable witness suites with a video link to court.

There will also be a private evidence room with one-way glass for observation and a sensory room.

The new centre will help deal with an anticipated increase in the number of children giving evidence this way if proposed legislation creating a presumption in favour of this is passed.

Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said: ‘It will make significant improvements to witnesses’ experience of the justice system in Glasgow.

‘Where appropriate, these suites may also be used for vulnerable adult witnesses.’

Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service chief executive Eric McQueen said: ‘The new hearings suite will mean children and vulnerable people can be supported to give their best evidence, and have it tested, in a safe, secure environment.’