Part of the debate – in the Scottish Parliament at 2:58 pm on 10 October 2024.
On information for victims, we have spoken to a number of victims groups to reassure them that the temporary measures will not change our approach to cases of domestic abuse or to sexual offences. A copy of my statement and a supplementary briefing will be shared with the Parliament and victims groups and will be published on the Crown Office’s external website, so that victims and the wider public can access them. We will listen to any concerns that are raised and provide an update when we review the measures in January.
I appreciate that there will be consequences to the actions that I have set out. Individuals who are not remanded for failing to appear might draw out the length of criminal proceedings in some cases, which can have an impact on witnesses. The decision was not taken lightly, but I consider it necessary and proportionate in the current circumstances.
