Scotland's first drug court is helping persistent offenders deal effectively with their problems and cut crime levels, a report has said.

The study into the two-year pilot project, which is based at Glasgow Sheriff Court, said it had been broadly welcomed by sheriffs and drug addicts.

The court was set up to reduce the number of addicts committing crimes.

It has the power to impose tough drug treatment orders, which are designed to stop addicts re-offending.

Dr Richard Simpson: "Positive impact"

The pilot was established on 12 November last year and is presided over by two senior sheriffs.

Deputy Justice Minister Dr Richard Simpson described the report's findings as "encouraging".

He said: "The Glasgow pilot has had a positive impact in tackling drug-related crime in the city.

"Offenders have been successfully directed towards treatment programmes, which have encouraged them to break the cycle of drug dependency."

The sheriffs interviewed for the report said the court had gone some way towards tackling re-offending.

'Dedicated court'

Only one court order was breached in the first six months of the project.

Once cases have been assessed by lawyers, social workers and the sheriff, the offender is placed on a Drug Testing and Treatment Order (DTTO).

Over a three year period, the offender returns to court regularly - sometimes every two weeks - to review progress.

The report said: "The creation of a dedicated drug court in Glasgow was broadly viewed by the sheriffs to be 'a good idea' as a step-change in addressing the context of chaotic drug-taking and offending behaviour in Glasgow."

'Receive help'

A number of addicts who have appeared before the court said their drug use had reduced "significantly".

The report said addicts were glad of the opportunity given to them by the court's sentencing procedure.

"Overall, all respondents considered drug court orders to be a very positive opportunity, providing them with another chance and something to work towards," the report said.

"Several respondents noted that the orders provided them with an opportunity to stay out of prison, address their drug use and receive help to do so."

Scottish Tory deputy justice spokesman Bill Aitken said it was too early to judge the effectiveness of the court.

He said: "By all means continue with the project and at the end of a period of perhaps two years carry out a hard-headed assessment."

The court will be independently assessed over the next year before the Scottish Executive decides whether to roll the scheme out across the country.