Keith Brown MSP, Member of the Scottish Parliament for the Clackmannanshire & Dunblane constituency, has welcomed the Scottish Government pilot scheme to improve access to justice which will see victims of rape and serious sexual assault able to access transcripts from their court cases for free.

From 1^st March 2024 to 1^st March 2025, £100,000 of funding will enable complainers who have had their cases heard in the High Court to apply for the transcripts of what was said in their court cases, free of charge.

Commenting, Keith said:

“There is no doubt whatsoever that the justice system is not an easy place for victims of rape and sexual assault and I am really hopeful that this pilot scheme will result in significant improvements in transparency and fairness which will be a real benefit to those affected.

“With this pilot, Scotland is blazing a trail in the UK in working towards a justice system that is trauma-informed and supports victims.  For many, the experience of being in court can be a biutof a blur and being able to look over exactly what was said in court, in their own time, can help their recovery.

“Until now, the cost of paying for transcripts has been a real block and this scheme, alongside the proposed Victims, Witnesses and Justice Reform (Scotland) Bill, is a great step in improving victims’ experience and increase confidence in the justice system.

“I pay tribute to those in my constituency and beyond who have campaigned for greater fairness and accountability in the process of achieving justice and I am pleased to see this SNP Government removing barriers to justice for victims of sexual assault.”