An MSP fears the closure of Arbroath Sheriff Court will lead to more fiscal fines and further undermine the justice system.
Jenny Marra believes it is still not too late for the Government to change its mind and make a dramatic U-turn on the decision to close the court.
The Labour MSP for North East Scotland stressed that capacity issues are already causing problems locally and fears the cuts will only add more pressure to an already crippled court system.
Ms Marra also said giving out fiscal fines to free up more space once the axe falls will not have the same impact on offenders as coming to court.
She said: “It is not too late for the Scottish Government to change its mind and look at the pressure our courts are under.
“We have already heard that some courts locally are struggling with capacity issues ahead of the closures in May.
“People have to take time off work and often need to get childcare to come to court. When we see cases being put off six times, it’s a waste of their time and a drain on the public purse.
“The court closures will also have an impact on people coming to court once Arbroath closes its doors in May.”
Arbroath was one of 10 courts selected for closure by the Scottish Court Service in a cost-cutting exercise.
Sheriffs at the front line have also raised concerns about capacity which it is said will only be compounded by the closure of Arbroath.
There is anecdotal evidence to suggest that some solemn cases from Arbroath are already finding their way to Dundee Sheriff Court.
Ms Marra added: “I think all of our communities deserve to see justice done locally. People who suffer from anti-social and criminal behaviour deserve to see justice done that is the principle of community justice.
“Going through the court process makes it clear that this type of behaviour is not acceptable and the perpetrators also have a chance to reflect on what they have done, rehabilitate and get support if they need it to make sure they desist from such behaviour in future.
“A fiscal fine doesn’t have that impact.”