CASES calling at Dumbarton Sheriff Court have been transferred to Paisley Sheriff Court in a bid to help stop the spread of coronavirus.

All court business will be adjourned or continued at a later date except for cases where the accused is in custody, appearances from undertakings and any emergency civil applications.

Only ten sheriff courts will be open across the country.

Dumbarton Sheriff Court’s business will be dealt with at Paisley Sheriff Court, along with Greenock Sheriff Court’s business.

In line with government advice, the 10 courts still open, will not be accessible to the general public.

Robust social distancing and enhanced cleaning regimes will be in place throughout the working day, with regular sterilisation of touch points and other areas of increased exposure.

In a statement on the Scottish Courts and Tribunals Service website, it states: “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.”