In our latest Hey Legal Exclusive, Sheriff Principal Anwar and Peter Lockhart chat to Ally Thomson and answer some important questions about pre-intermediate diet meetings (PIDM),

The  recent Practice Note has sets out that these new early, meetings between the prosecution and the defence outside the courtroom, will be held before a trial date is confirmed.

The meetings have been designed to help to ensure that only cases that cannot be resolved by agreement, and which are ready for trial, will advance to the trial date. Operating in this way may help to reduce  unnecessary court attendance and reduce court backlogs.

Sheriff Principal Anwar, who took office in April discusses the challenges she has faced, details of the new PIDM initiative and what comes next. They discuss:

  • Can you discuss the PIDM pilot initiative in South Strathclyde, Dumfries and Galloway please as in who was involved and why it was a success?
  • What outcomes are hoped to be achieved by the implementation of PIDMs nationwide?
  • Circumstances vary across Sheriffdoms with informal meetings in smaller jurisdictions in advance of Intermediate Diets working well whereas attempts in eg Glasgow have often been frustrated by the lack of a Depute, or disclosure etc. What confidence is there that the meetings in busy jurisdictions will be able to be meaningful and not frustrated by such issues?
  • So, what is the benefit to defence agents here – will this not just increase their workload?
  • What if there are undue delays in progressing trials because of witness difficulties or disclosure, how will the defence raise these issues with the court?
  • What if a defence agent has already agreed a plea before the PIDM, how is that managed?
  •  In relation to the PIDMs are you working with the local bar associations?

To support the introduction of the new practice note, webinar Q&A sessions have been set up for Monday 23 November and Thursday 26 November. Practitioner registration details, as well as an opportunity to view an introductory video about the PN, are also available – please check your email inbox for details of how to join the events or view the video. If you are a court practitioner and have not received this email, please contact comms@lawscot.org.uk.

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