Plans for new drugs court in the spotlight

Plans for a pilot drugs court in Fife were discussed on Monday
as deputy justice minister Richard Simpson met key drug workers at
the ‘Next Steps’ project in Leven.

The pilot was announced in November and is thought to be up and
running by the summer. Fife was selected following successful take
up of drug treatment and testing orders in the area.

Simpson praised the project’s work, and reiterated the
Scottish executive’s full support in tackling drug misuse in
the community.

“Next Steps allows people to take control of their lives in a
supportive environment to minimise the risk of relapse and promote
full integration back into the community,” he said.

“This will also strengthen communities and businesses in Fife,
which have been undermined by drug misuse and drug related crime
for too long,” he added.

The Fife drugs court will follow the Glasgow model and make
orders by allowing rapid access to treatment; review the
performance of participants subject to orders in open court on a
regular basis; provide frequent drug tests for offenders and impose
penalties and sanctions for non-compliance.