COURT bosses are to text trial witnesses to remind them to come to court.
The Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service (COPFS), says many trials are dragged out by people failing to turn up.
They hope the scheme, which is being trialled at Edinburgh Sheriff Court over the next four months, will make the court system more efficient.
Adrian Cottam, Assistant Procurator Fiscal for Edinburgh, said: “A great many people now use their mobile phone as a primary means of communication, and this pilot will assess whether issuing direct reminders in this way will mark an improvement to the rate of witness attendance.
“It is always vital that the justice system keeps pace with technological developments, and this innovative pilot is one that we hope will have a real impact on the efficiency of the courts.”
