Scotland's courts urged to go digital

POLICE and prosecutors have been urged to make better use of 3D technology which, proponents claim, could save as much as £7,000 a day.

Computer-generated imagery has recreated complex crime scenes for juries, as well as giving an impression of the movement of a suspect, where a body was left, or how two vehicles collided. This reduces the need for lengthy explanations and additional testimonies, and so saves court time.

It has been used in the Peter Tobin trials for the murders of Angelika Kluk and Vicky Hamilton, but bosses say it should be used more widely.

Tom Nelson, director of Scottish Police Services Authority forensic services, said: "Digital media provides real benefits and efficiencies for the court through the very best presentation of evidence. There are costs associated with using this technology in building a case - but the savings in court time at the end of it far outweigh that initial investment.

"They say a picture is worth a 1,000 words and with this technology it really is."