Scottish Government

High Level Summary of Statistics Trend Last update: Tuesday, 13th December 2011

Sentences Imposed

The total number of persons convicted in Scottish courts increased from 108,600 in 2000-01 to a peak of 134,400 in 2006-07 before falling marginally in 2007-08 and then by 14% since 2007-08 to 115,400 in 2010-11. At an overall level, this reduction is consistent with the principal aim of Summary Justice Reform, that fewer cases go to court needlessly and more are dealt with by non-court actions, where it is more appropriate to do so.

The numbers of persons convicted in sheriff summary courts (which account for the majority of all persons convicted) increased by 28% between 2000-01 and 2006-07, but have fallen by 24% since then; numbers convicted in the High Court have fallen fairly consistently since 2003-04; numbers convicted in sheriff solemn courts rose by 70 per cent between 2000-01 and 2007-08, but have since fallen by 23% to 4,000 in 2010-11; and, the numbers from the district (including Justice of the Peace) courts - which were at their highest level in 10 years during 2009-10 - have fallen by 2% in 2010-11.

In addition, the Police and the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service can issue a range of non-court disposals, some of which have been introduced as part of Summary Justice Reform. These include; Anti-social Behaviour Fixed Penalty Notices, which have decreased by 11% from 61,200 in 2009-10 to 54,200 in 2010-11; and, Fiscal Fines which have decreased by 1% from around 35,700 in 2009-10 to around 35,400 in 2010-11.

Source: Scottish Government Justice Department court proceedings database

Further Information

Criminal Proceedings in Scotland 2010-11