CRIME VICTIMS SUFFER

VICTIMS of crime are facing even longer delays in getting justice during the Covid pandemic because of a looming shortage of defence lawyers, it was claimed last night.

Scotland’s prosecution and court chiefs are boosting the number of judges, sheriffs and court hearings to deal with the huge backlog caused by Covid19. An estimated £50 million is being spent on hiring hundreds more fiscals, and on the opening and staffing of 16 new courts and remote jury centres.

However, no money is being spent on increasing the number of criminal defence lawyers to represent thousands of accused people who are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

Legal experts say the lack of qualified solicitors will inevitably mean more delays for victims of crime – a particular problem for complainers in rape and sexual assault cases, for whom delays may cause stress and mental health problems.

Darryl Lovie, of the Scottish Solicitors Bar Association, said the defence profession was already ‘struggling to survive’ – even without the additional pressure of extra courts, adding: ‘All other justice partners are being supported except us.’