(564)  LEGAL AID ROW ESCALATES

 

The dispute between the Scottish Executive and the legal profession about criminal legal aid rates intensified on 2 June 2006, when the Glasgow Bar Association decided not to represent sex offender accused in court unless rates were increased.  The significance of this move, which will begin on 1 August, is that sex offenders must be represented for a trial to proceed, since they are not allowed to cross-examine their alleged victims in court.  There is accordingly the possibility that the accused will be set free un-tried, although it is also possible that the court will appoint a representative, who will presumably not be a member of the Glasgow Bar Association.