News from COPFS

The Victim Information and Advice service (VIA) within COPFS supports vulnerable people who, through no fault of their own, find themselves in the criminal justice process. It also provides information and advice to next of kin in sudden or unexplained deaths.

Dedicated VIA officers become the point of contact for these individuals, offering guidance and advice as they go through a system that may seem confusing and unfamiliar.

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak continues to have an impact on the Scottish criminal justice system. COPFS is working closely with justice partners and with Scottish Government on measures which will support the fair and effective administration of justice while respecting the public health guidance.

On 24 March 2022, COPFS leaders and trade union representatives showed their commitment to supporting colleagues with life-limiting illness. They came together to sign the ‘Dying to Work’ charter, an initiative promoted by the Trades Union Congress (TUC).

The Solicitor General for Scotland has responded to the request from the chair of the Sheku Bayoh Inquiry to provide undertakings on the use of evidence heard by the inquiry in any potential future prosecutions.

The offices of the UK Attorney General and the Prosecutor General of Ukraine have today published a memorandum of co-operation over crimes of the gravest concern to the entire international community.

The Lord Advocate and Crown Office and Procurator Service (COPFS) are fully supportive of the memorandum.

The Lord Advocate has appointed Ashley Edwards QC to be principal Crown counsel and lead the advocate depute team in the prosecution of serious crime.

The Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain QC has ordered a review of how prosecutors deal with reports of sexual offences. She announced the review in an evidence session at the Criminal Justice Committee of the Scottish Parliament.

Prosecutors have decided to end the case against Robert MacKenzie, who was accused of offences alleged to have taken place at the Fort Augustus school in the Highlands from 1955 to 1988.

The Lord Advocate Dorothy Bain QC made this statement to the Scottish Parliament on Diversion from Prosecution:

The Lord Advocate has announced changes with the Crown Counsel team.