PRESS RELEASE

July 14th, 2008

FISCAL FINES: JURY STILL OUT?

Local prosecutors have defended controversial new measures available to fiscals to impose direct fines rather than see law breakers face the court

In a letter to Duncan McNeil MSP, Scott Pattison, Area Procurator Fiscal for Argyll & Clyde, which covers the Greenock and Inverclyde constituency, claims that the new measures are ‘going very well’.

He also states that there are early signs that the new measures were freeing up court time for cases which need prosecuted properly and are minimising the inconvenience to witnesses and victims.

Mr McNeil plans to meet with the area’s prosecutor to discuss the impact of the new direct measures scheme.  

Mr McNeil said: “While it is in everyone’s interest to deal with the logjam in our courts, I share the reservations of many about these direct measures.”  

“It is a risky strategy that could further undermine public confidence in our justice system.”

“I don’t know how I would feel if I was the victim of a crime and I later learned the person wasn’t even brought to court.  

“It could be that this person has an underlying problem that isn’t picked up on if he is dealt with a fixed penalty fine and could then goes on to re-offend.”

“I look forward to meeting with Mr Pattison to discuss how this experiment is progressing.  

“But I will be seeking strong assurances that this is more than just a cost-cutting measure that could have a negative impact on the streets of Inverclyde.”

ENDS