RESIDENTS of north-west Glasgow can now be directed through a specialised alcohol court in a new pilot.

The court, which is to be presided over by Sheriff Iain Fleming, is the latest “problem-solving court” to be launched in Scotland and follows the creation of the successful drug court at Glasgow, which has been in operation since 2001.

Starting this month, the pilot can apply to those appearing for summary cases who plead guilty to, or are convicted of, charges involving violence or dishonesty; public order offences; or drink driving offences in circumstances in which it appears or is accepted that alcohol abuse has significantly contributed to the offending.

The pilot, however, applies only to those who face charges which do not contain a domestic element.

The offender must be a Glasgow resident and the target age is those aged under 35 who have two or more previous convictions for offences involving violence or dishonesty; public order offences; or drink driving.

But the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service said the scope of the target group will remain the subject of review.

The service said: “The aim of the pilot court is to deliver sentences which are tailored to influence an individual’s behaviour and hold them accountable, with progress rigorously monitored by the same sheriff.”

The pilot scheme is supported by both the Social Work Department of Glasgow City Council and Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership.