A scheme to improve communication with witnesses and reduce witness non-attendance at court will be rolled out across Scotland, the Crown Agent has announced.
It was recognised that witness non-attendance is a major reason for adjournments in the Summary trials courts. Therefore, in January 2012, the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS) went live with a pilot which saw witnesses being sent text messages reminding them to attend court.
The pilot was delivered in partnership with the Scottish Court Service and Lothian and Borders police.
Due to the success of this pilot, the system will now be rolled out across Scotland this year.
Catherine Dyer, the Crown Agent, said:
“This is a great example of how prosecutors, police and the courts can work together to come up with ways to use technology to make our justice system more efficient.
“This is one simple but effective method that we can use to help to reduce the number of trials delayed due to non-attendance of some witnesses and avoid the inconvenience and distress this can cause to other witnesses involved in the case.”
