Biagi backs abuse court

EDINBURGH Central SNP MSP Marco Biagi has welcomed the announcement that Edinburgh Sheriff Court is to pilot a specialist domestic abuse court.

In a motion at the Scottish Parliament, he says the court, which will bring together specialist prosecutors, police officers and support agencies, will make “a real, immediate and welcome difference” in how cases are brought to justice.

The first session will be on February 7, It aims to hold trials within eight weeks of first calling instead of the current average of 15 weeks.