Video evidence to be available for more vulnerable witnesses
More children and vulnerable adults will soon be able to give evidence in criminal trials without attending court.
From next year, a new dedicated facility in Glasgow will allow witnesses to pre-record their testimony.
The move follows the introduction of legislation in the Scottish Parliament earlier this year which seeks to create a rule in favour of pre-recording evidence for child and vulnerable witnesses.
Yesterday, the Scottish Governmentannounced£950,000 in funding for the new unit.
Justice secretary Humza Yousaf said: “This is the latest step towards achieving our ambition that children, wherever possible, should not have to give evidence in court during a criminal trial. It will make significant improvements to witnesses’ experience of the justice system in Glasgow. I am pleased to hear there is scope for expansion and where appropriate, these suites may also be used for vulnerable adult witnesses.
“We believe strongly that the justice system should be compassionate and traumainformed and able to respond effectively to the needs of victims – adults and children. Earlier this year we introduced the Vulnerable Witnesses Bill to the Scottish Parliament, which proposes reforms to enable the much greater use of pre-recording evidence in advance of a criminal trial.”
He added: “While legislative reform is needed, it is vital that there are modern facilities available with pre-recording technology.”
The new facility will include hearing suites, a direct video link to court, a private evidence room with one-way glass to aid observation, a specially designed sensory room and quiet spaces.
Some of the principles involved are similar to Norway’s pioneering Barnehus model, where child abuse victims are interviewed as well as offered support away from a police station or court.
Eric Mcqueen, chief executive of the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service, said: “Our earlier work on the evidence and procedure review satisfied us that we needed to transform the way in which we take the evidence of children and vulnerable witnesses.
“We know from initial evaluation that having the right facilities and environment are critical factors and the new hearings suite in Glasgow will mean that children and vulnerable people can be supported to give their best evidence, and have it tested, in a safe and secure environment.”
Linda Jardine, of the charity Children 1st, said: “Making sure children and young people feel welcome, comfortable and safe means they can give better evidence without feeling anxious or experiencing further trauma.”