Brian Whittle has challenged the Scottish Government to deliver more support to victims of crime where court cases have been delayed as a result of Covid-19.
The pandemic has meant many criminal trials have been postponed, often at short notice and South Scotland MSP Brian is worried about the damaging effect this could have on victims, particularly in cases involving violence or sexual offences.
During a question session at Holyrood, Brian spoke to the Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf about the importance of looking after the mental health of victims during the court process and asked the Cabinet Secretary for a meeting on the issue.
Brian Whittle MSP said:
“Being a victim of a crime can be traumatic for anyone and having to relive the event in a court room can be hugely challenging, especially when the crime involves violence or a sexual element.
While delays and disruption to some court cases due to Covid-19 is unavoidable, we shouldn’t lose sight of the potential impact it can have on the mental health of those waiting for their day in court. The Scottish Government should do everything possible to minimise delays in the court system for crimes involving violence or sexual assault and give victims as much certainty as possible.
I’m grateful to Humza Yousaf for agreeing to meet with me to discuss this further and hope we will be able to deliver more help to victims going through the court process.”
