THE Scottish Government’s own figures have revealed the percentage of court cases across Scotland dealt with within the 26 week target has fallen dramatically.

The figures, provided via a Freedom of Information request by the Scottish Conservatives, show that Jedburgh Sheriff Court dealt with 79% of cases within the target in 2008/09, but that this fell to 75% in 2013/14. Since then the number of cases dealt with within 26 weeks plunged to 57% in May 2014 and 63% in June 2014, the latest figure provided.

This is despite Jedburgh dealing with fewer cases, as the SNP Government increasingly diverts prosecutions away from court. In 2013, 318 summary cases were heard in Jedburgh, compared to 525 in 2008.

The figures clearly illustrate that Jedburgh Sheriff Court is struggling to cope due to under resourcing and seriously calls into question the decision to close Duns court and transfer its business to Jedburgh in January 2015.

The SNP started closing courts last year despite strong opposition from the John Lamont MSP, who argued the closures would harm access to justice and lead to a growing backlog of cases across the borders.

John Lamont MSP said: “These figures show the extent of delays to justice being experienced in our courts. In the Borders, Jedburgh seems to be struggling to cope, even though they are dealing with fewer cases.

Delays to justice are a disservice to victims of crime, but when the accused is found to be innocent, they are also a waste of money.

The SNP pushed through court closures, despite all the evidence suggesting it would harm access to justice and put pressure on our already struggling courts.” John Lamont added: “Just a few months before the planned closure of Duns Sheriff Court, the court which is meant to take on extra business is failing to meet its target in nearly 40% of cases. It is not too late for the Scottish Government to intervene and reverse the disastrous decision to close Duns.”