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Monthly information on Criminal Case Throughput for January 2026

The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS) has published the throughput of criminal cases in our courts for January 2026. The overall number of scheduled trials in January 2026 have reduced by 940 when compared to last month.

The monthly workbook published today shows the volumes of cases being progressed each month in the High Court, Sheriff Court and Justice of the Peace Courts for the current financial year, compared against the monthly and weekly averages for historical years, including 2019/20 (pre-COVID). The overall number of scheduled trials in January 2026 have reduced by 940 when compared to last month.

Due to fewer court days being programmed during the December festive period, comparisons with the pre-COVID monthly average are lower.

The figures show that during January 2026:

  • The overall level of new cases registered is 86% of the average pre-COVID level.
  • The overall level of cases concluded is 87% of the average pre-COVID level.
  • Petitions, which provide a useful indicator of future solemn business, are 116% of the average monthly pre-COVID level.
  • 3,457 accused arrived from Police custody this was 77% of the average pre-COVID level.
  • The overall number of accused remanded in custody during the period was 78% of the average pre-COVID level. Of those that arrived from Police Custody, 17.7% were remanded.
  • Overall, the courts use of bail was 4% lower than the average pre-COVID level.
  • Nationally, 29% of trials called were adjourned to a new trial diet. This is a 5-percentage point reduction, compared to 33% pre-COVID and a 30-percentage point reduction when compared to its peak level during the recovery period.
  • There were 1,791 accused who received a warrant for non-appearance at court which is 117% of the average pre-COVID level.
  • The number of Community disposals issued by the courts was 120% of the average pre-COVID level.
  • The National average time between first appearance diet and evidence led trial, where evidence led trial occurred in January 2026 is 32 weeks, compared to the pre-COVID level of 21 weeks and the peak level of 50 weeks during the recovery period.
  • 58 High Court evidence led trials commenced which is 140% of the average pre-COVID level.
  • 87 High Court cases were concluded, which is 130% of the average pre-COVID level.
  • The average time between pleading diet and evidence led trial is 41 weeks for High Court, compared to the pre-COVID level of 22 weeks and the peak level of 66 weeks during the recovery period.
  • 88 sheriff solemn evidence led trials commenced which is 93% of the average pre-COVID level.
  • 535 sheriff solemn cases were concluded which is 110% of the average pre-COVID level.
  •         The average time between pleading diet and evidence led trial is 21 weeks for sheriff solemn, compared to the pre-COVID level of 11 weeks and the peak level of 52 weeks during the recovery period.
  • 432 sheriff summary evidence led trials commenced, which is 75% of the average pre-COVID level.
  • 5,026 sheriff summary cases were concluded which is 97% of the average pre-COVID level.
  • The average time between pleading diet and evidence led trial is 34 weeks for sheriff summary, compared to the pre-COVID level of 23 weeks and the peak level of 53 weeks during the recovery period.
  • 1,755 Justice of the Peace cases were concluded which is 64% of the average pre-COVID level.
  • The average time between pleading diet and evidence led trial is 26 weeks for Justice of the Peace, compared to the pre-COVID level of 22 weeks.
General
18 February 2026 Communications