MacAskil says thank-you for justice plans

JUSTICE Secretary Kenny MacAskill hosted a reception at Edinburgh Castle to thank people from across Scotland who have helped implement new measures to support vulnerable witnesses giving evidence in court.

Representatives from charities, councils, the police and the Children's Reporters unit attended last night's event.

The Vulnerable Witnesses Act, passed by the Scottish Parliament in 2004, allows for witnesses to give evidence via a live television link, use a prior statement as their main evidence, give evidence from behind a screen and have a supporter in court.

Mr MacAskill said: "The Vulnerable Witnesses Act is one of a number of recent changes aimed at modernising our justice system – putting witnesses at the heart of it and helping them to have their say in court.

"Almost more important than the Act itself is the change it has kick-started in the attitude towards witnesses in the justice system who are, after all a crucial part of the system."