'Encouraging' start for special health and safety team

MORE than 20 cases have been resolved without the need for an expensive trial during the first year of the specialist health and safety division of the Crown Office, according to official figures.

In what he described as "an encouraging year", Frank Mulholland, the Solicitor General, claimed the body had spared many victims and witnesses the need to appear in court by securing guilty pleas, as he praised the work of the 16 staff in three offices across the country.

The division has a presence in Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow and is led by senior prosecutor Elaine Taylor.

It was set up in July 2009 to specialise in prosecuting health and safety cases following similar groups introduced to pursue cases of wildlife crime, confiscation of criminal assets and sexual offences.

Mr Mullholland added that the figures demonstrated that the first year of operation had been a success.

He said: "By building on our existing expertise and through enhanced working relationships with the Health & Safety Executive and other enforcing authorities, the division has been more able to deal with the complex issues that can arise in health and safety investigations.

"This approach, using dedicated specialist prosecutors, has also enabled us to resolve a number of cases at an early stage, bringing benefits to victims and witnesses alike.

Elaine Taylor added: "Sadly, most of the cases with which our division deal involve the loss of life or serious injury arising from incidents in workplaces in Scotland.

"The early resolution of these cases by way of plea has spared families and victims from what can be a very distressing and traumatic experience of lengthy court process."