Scottish study prompts fresh call for abolition of not proven verdict

Campaigners demand change as study finds system may push jurors towards acquittal in rape cases

Campaigners against sexual violence have renewed calls to abolish the controversial Scottish verdict of not proven as the UK's largest study of jury behaviour reveals that the availability of this option may push more jurors towards acquittal before they have even discussed the evidence.

Welcoming the landmark research, Scotland's justice secretary, Humza Yousaf, said whether to move from a three- to a two-verdict system was central to further consultation on reform.