Murder and rape case backlog won't be cleared until 2026

Commenting on the embargoed report from the Auditor General into the Scottish criminal courts backlog, which has seen average waiting times for the most serious crimes such as serious assault, murder and rape more than double since 2020, Scottish Liberal Democrat justice spokesperson Liam McArthur MSP said:

"The Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service deserve credit for the work they have done reducing the court backlog but it is clear that when it comes to the most serious and complex cases there is still much to do.

“The consequences of delays is that everyone suffers: victims, witnesses and those accused.

"Scottish Liberal Democrats have set out common sense policies that will make our communities safer. That means driving down the use of remand and ensuring that both accused and victims get their day in court."