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Fast-track system cuts reoffending The Scottish executive will extend its controversial fast-track court system for persistent young offenders after a new report showed it has reduced re-offending.

An independent evaluation of the Hamilton Youth Court, established in 2003, found that 16 per cent of persistent offenders reoffended within six months, one of the lowest rates in the country.

The executive said it would fund the pilot for another year. However, Ruth Stark, professional officer at the British Association of Social Workers Scotland said the court risked "demonising" young people and that the children's hearing system offered a better way of meeting their needs.

The court was established two years ago to reduce the frequency and seriousness of offending by those who had committed three alleged offences in six months.