THEY’RE the places people go to be prosecuted for their alleged crimes.
But dozens of folk have been caught committing criminal acts within the walls of Tayside’s sheriff courts.
Incidents including possession of drugs and knives, assaults and even stalking have been reported at Dundee, Perth and Forfar sheriff courts since 2013.
In total, there were nearly 100 crimes in the buildings between January 2013 and last month, according to figures obtained by the Tele under the Freedom of Information Act.
Of all the sheriff courts in the Tayside area, Dundee had the most recorded crimes, with 55 over the past three years.
Last year at Dundee Sheriff Court, nine of the 17 recorded offences were classed as threatening and abusive behaviour.
Meanwhile, at Perth Sheriff Court, 24 offences have been recorded since 2013, including eight offences last year — four of which were assaults.
In Forfar Sheriff Court, four of the six reported crimes in 2015 were assaults.
In total, 19 offences have been recorded at the Angus court over the past three years.
One crime of carrying a knife or bladed weapon was recorded at Dundee Sheriff Court in 2013.
Perth and Forfar sheriff courts have each had one recorded incident of drug possession since 2013, although none was reported at Dundee. One crime of stalking was recorded at Perth.
A spokesman for the Scottish Courts Service said: “All criminal incidents within court buildings are treated extremely seriously and police are present in courts to ensure public order.
“Serious criminal incidents are rare and are reported to police.
“Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service also employs contractors to maintain security in some court buildings.”
A spokeswoman for Victim Support Scotland said: “We believe that victims and witnesses, who may already be vulnerable and anxious, are entitled to feel safe and to be protected when they are within any court building.
“As sheriff courts are public buildings, we know that, unfortunately, crimes can be committed in and around these premises.
“The safety and security of victims and witnesses should be a primary concern for us all to ensure the effective operation of justice in our courts across Scotland.”
Last week, a 16-year-old girl was locked up for 12 months for attacking a police officer at Dundee Sheriff Court.
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