Drink court to be expanded to domestic abuse cases
A PILOT scheme for a court to tackle alcoholrelated crime in Glasgow has become permanent and could now accept domestic abuse cases.
It was launched at the city’s sheriff court to deal with those convicted of violence, dishonesty or public order offences, or drink driving.
Billed as the latest “problem-solving court” to be launched in Scotland, it followed the creation of the successful Drug Court at Glasgow, which has been in operation since 2001.
The booze court’s permanent role has been confirmed as it marks its first anniversary.
In recognition of the part alcohol can play in domestic abuse, judiciary sources also say the Alcohol Court will consider accepting domestic abuse cases in which the social work department recommend a referral as a disposal.
The court will aim to deliver sentences “tailored to influence an individual’s behaviour and hold them accountable, with progress rigorously monitored by the same sheriff”.
Progress is measured by an offender’s commitment to stop their criminal behaviour and undertake educational and counselling programmes designed to assist them in reducing their alcohol consumption.
Since 2016, an alcohol court has been piloting in Edinburgh and problemsolving courts have been set up in Aberdeen and Forfar.