‘More time needed’ to prepare trials

Prosecutors are worried that they do not get enough time to prepare cases for trial, a report has revealed.

The study said that this was the “main complaint” from procurators fiscal around the country.

Many felt that the amount of time set aside for them to prepare for trials was “simply inadequate” and some ended up doing work at home.

The lack of time was one issue highlighted in a new review of preparation for summary cases – less serious offences which are dealt with by a sheriff and do not need to go before a jury.

The report, by the Inspectorate of Prosecution in Scotland, makes 16 recommendations on how the way such cases are handled could be improved.

Between April 2011 and March this year a total of 60,418 summary cases were dealt with in sheriff courts across Scotland.