COURT cases from the Helensburgh area are now calling at the sheriff court in Paisley, rather than Dumbarton, in a bid to help stop the spread of coronavirus.

All court business is being adjourned or continued to a later date, except for cases where the accused is in custody, appearances on undertakings, and any emergency civil applications.

Only ten sheriff courts are now open across Scotland, with all Dumbarton Sheriff Court business which has not already been adjourned being dealt with at Paisley Sheriff Court until further notice.

The court building in Paisley is also dealing with business transferred in from the sheriff court in Greenock.

READ MORE: Councillors in Argyll and Bute back emergency powers move to cope during pandemic

However, in line with Scottish Government advice, the 10 courts still open are not accessible to the general public.

The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service (SCTS) says that "robust social distancing and enhanced cleaning regimes are in place throughout the working day, with regular sterilisation of touch points and other areas of increased exposure".

The court service had already announced that from March 17, no new criminal jury trials were to commence or new juries empanelled until further notice.

Where jury trials have already begun, these will run to the conclusion of the trial, if it is practical to do so.

READ MORE: Man admits leaving his ex scarred for life in Garelochhead knife attack

Earlier this week, the Scottish Government proposed a radical reduction in the number of trials to be held before a jury, in a bid to reduce the backlog of cases caused by the pandemic.

However, those plans were dropped from the Coronavirus (Scotland) Bill before it was considered by MSPs, though the government says they may be brought back in a new form later this month.

Provisions which were passed by the Scottish Parliament this week include measures for any participant in a criminal or civil court case to appear from elsewhere via video or audio link, while some administrative hearings could be held entirely over the internet.

The new laws also extend time limits relating to criminal cases, and extend the time allowed to complete community payback orders – sentences often imposed at sheriff courts as alternatives to prison.

READ MORE: Helensburgh's Visiting Friends charity issues virus volunteer plea

Announcing the changes to the holding of court business, the SCTS said in a statement on their website: “The Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service provide an essential public service.

“During this period, it is critical that we maintain public trust and confidence by maintaining the essential services that support justice.

“Courts have already ceased all jury trials, adjourned all but essential summary criminal trials, adjourned all civil hearings involving witnesses, and tribunals will only proceed with essential hearings by audio conference.

“We have also backed this up with strong advice to the public not to attend our buildings.”

READ MORE: Click here to catch up with all the latest Helensburgh and Lomond news headlines