Big pat on the back for prosecution service teams

Staff praised for performing ‘remarkably well’ despite shortages

By Tim Pauling

Published:

The prosecution service in Grampian “performed remarkably well” despite a growing caseload and staff shortages, according to a watchdog report.

The number of cases handled on petition by the Grampian area of the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service increased by nearly double the national average.

A report from the Inspectorate of Prosecution found that between October 2006 and September 2007 the number of the most serious cases placed on petition rose by 14%, compared with a national average of 7%.

The total number of cases on petition went up by 9% compared with a national average of 5%.

The district fiscal in Aberdeen, which also covers Stonehaven, reported that its biggest problem was a shortage of staff, especially depute fiscals.

When inspected five depute fiscal posts, a quarter of the total, were empty.

The inspectorate’s report said compounding the problems was the fact that many of the existing deputes were “very inexperienced”, with half having less than a year in the job.

But the overall conclusion was the Grampian area “performed remarkably well in the face of staffing difficulties, especially in Aberdeen itself”.

In addition to the normal functions of prosecuting cases and investigating deaths, the Grampian service is responsible for North Sea oil and gas and fisheries.

It covers sheriff and district courts at Aberdeen, Stonehaven, Banff, Elgin and Peterhead, and a district court at Inverurie.

Her Majesty's Chief Inspector Joe O'Donnell said over a four-year period Grampian experienced an increase in serious business of 51%, compared with a national average of 17%.

“This has inevitably placed a strain on existing resources, especially in the area of disclosure of evidence,” he said.

“I found nearly all targets were met and that disclosure to the defence was nearly always done but occasionally late.

“I recommend consideration should be given to creating an ad hoc team to carry out disclosure to enable time targets to be met.”

Area procurator fiscal for Grampian Morag McLaughlin said: “Overall this is a very positive report for Grampian and I recognise, as the inspector does, the significant achievements which have been made possible by the commitment and dedication of the staff across the area.

“The period covered by the review has been an extremely challenging one, as the report narrates, and it is to the significant credit of the hard-working staff here that so much has been achieved.”