The reforms have proved to be a success in the High Courts

The number of postponed cases has been reduced from 1,000 last year to 125 in the first six months since the reforms were introduced.

Figures show that half of the accused are pleading guilty in the new preliminary hearings.

The Police Federation said the reforms also meant more officers solving crime.

If a police officer is not in court giving evidence, then they are out there investigating and solving other crimes which has to be a good thing all round Norrie Flowers Scottish Police Federation

Forensic pathologist Anthony Busuttil said the system was now more structured.

"Everyone knows exactly what is happening and when it's going to happen," he said.

"There is a much more ordered way in which witnesses are called. Things can be planned a bit better."

He said witnesses were now also given more information.

'All winners'

Norrie Flowers, chairman of the Scottish Police Federation, said the reforms were having a big impact on crime fighting.

"If a police officer is not in court giving evidence, then they are out there investigating and solving other crimes which has to be a good thing all round."

The new preliminary hearings decide if and when a case will go ahead.

Paul McBride, a defence QC, said: "Witnesses, victims and accused persons are all winners in this."

He added that the accused often receive smaller sentences if they plead guilty at an earlier stage."