Taxpayers are being stung over a growing backlog of cases at Dundee Sheriff Court, The Courier can reveal.
Over a fifth of cases at the city’s court are failing to meet crucial Government processing targets following the closure of Cupar Sheriff Court.
In June 2014, only 76.8% of cases at the court went from caution or charge to verdict within six months, compared to 83% in May.
The Scottish Government, who decided to close a number of courts in May, had set a target to process all cases within 26 weeks.
Last night, North East Scotland Conservative MSP Alex Johnstone slammed the figures, warning that the delays were costing taxpayers.
He said: “Despite repeated warnings, the SNP pressed ahead with their plans to close the court in Cupar and now Dundee Sheriff Court is facing enormous pressures in meeting the target.
“The SNP said the remaining courts would not be adversely affected by the closures. Clearly, that is not the case and it demonstrates their total unwillingness to listen to opposing views on this matter.
“The real concern is for the families, relatives and victims of crimes who want justice to be handed out quickly and efficiently, which helps them move on from the often traumatic experiences they may have had.
“This growing backlog also means additional cost to the taxpayer.
“It is not too late for them to think again and reverse the absurd policy of closing courts, which clearly is not having the desired effect.”
A spokeswoman for the Scottish Courts Service suggested that the delays were due to an increase in the number of people coming to trial and that in July the processing rate had risen to 79%.
She said: “As we have made very clear, the court closures across Scotland will result in a re-distribution of only 5% of the overall business to courts, with sufficient capacity and no reduction in judicial or court staff.
“Whilst overall levels of crimes, including violent crime, have fallen in recent years, the reporting and detection of some crimes has increased over the past year, in particular sexual crimes and crimes associated with domestic abuse, as well as road traffic offences.
“These increases reflect more proactive policing and prosecution, better evidence gathering and greater confidence amongst victims in reporting certain crimes, including historic crimes.
“To tackle these increases, targeted measures have been agreed across justice organisations, with additional judicial, court and Crown Office staff being deployed.
“These measures will increase the number of cases settled within 26 weeks and demonstrate that court capacity is available to deal with the increased levels of business.”