THE Scottish Executive was accused yesterday of performing a humiliating U-turn after it emerged that the prosecution in court cases is to be given the automatic right to be heard at bail appeal hearings.
Colin Boyd, the Lord Advocate, made the announcement to MSPs but insisted that bail decisions would remain a matter for judges. He said that there was, however, a need to ensure the public had confidence in the courts and their decisions.
“It is right that the courts have all the information that is available and the bail supervision options they need to take a decision in favour of bail,” he told MSPs. “We have therefore decided to look at the reasons for the current pattern of bail and remand, and the