Juries to sit at a distance when trials begin again this summer

JURORS are to sit in the public gallery or watch by video link when trials restart in July.

Socially-distanced hearings in limited form will be held in a bid to tackle a huge backlog of cases, with all new trials currently suspended in Scotland due to coronavirus.

The Lord Justice Clerk Lady Dorrian said the first proceedings would take place in Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Lady Dorrian, who is leading a working group on the restarting of jury trials, said the challenges ‘cannot be underestimated’. She added: ‘The court facilities must be configured to ensure the safety of all those involved in the trial, including access for the public and for the media, whilst at the same time ensuring effective participation of all the main participants.’

Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf welcomed the ‘swift progress’ of the working group. He added: ‘I am very conscious that behind each delayed jury trial are victims, witnesses and accused, who are all anxious to have their day in court and move on with their lives.’