Coronavirus (COVID-19): Justice Analytical Services Data Report - September 2021

Monthly data report on how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected the justice system in Scotland, including information from Police Scotland, Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service, Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service, and Scottish Prison Service.


Criminal Disposals

In September 2021 there were 6,169 disposals (excluding secondary disposals and the 'other' disposal category) from Scotland's courts. This is 85% of the 19-20 monthly average of 7,276 and similar to August 2021.

Between April 2020 and September 2021 there were 49,661 (38%) fewer disposals from courts than would have been expected based on 19-20 average figures. Over this time period, there have been 33% fewer custodial sentences and 41% fewer community disposals imposed by the courts than might have been expected.

To: 30 September 2021 Monthly average 2019-20 September 2021 Change % Estimated* April 2020 – Sep 2021 Actual April 2020 – Sep 2021 Change %
Imprisonment 1,010 744 -26% 18,180 12,157 -33%
Community Disposal (CPO & DTTO) 1,383 1,099 -21% 24,894 14,602 -41%
Restriction of Liberty Order 296 278 -6% 5,328 4,417 -17%
Fine etc. 3,105 2,872 -8% 55,890 31,788 -43%
Admonished/ Discharged 1,482 1,176 -21% 26,676 18,343 -31%

* based on 19-20 monthly average disposals

Disposals from court at any point in time are related both to the volume of business coming into courts and the length of time it takes that business to proceed through the court system. Therefore, changes in crime levels or the ability of courts to function in the usual way may have associated impacts on disposals.

Further Information: Latest SCTS published official statistics can be found here: https://scotcourts.gov.uk/official-statistics

Contact

Email: justice_analysts@gov.scot

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