The obstacles faced by raped women who confront their attacker in court have been highlighted by a new report that shows their case is likely to be delayed more than any other. Research conducted by Aberdeen University has found that rape and attempted rape cases will typically be adjourned more often than cases involving any other crime.

Parenting classes should be given to schoolchildren as part of a drive to rid Scotland of its violent reputation, says one of Scotland’s most senior police officers. Detective Chief Superintendent John Carnochan, the head of the national Violence Reduction Unit (VRU), said too many children are being brought up without the life skills needed to make the right choices.

Mothers of infants with a disfiguring medical condition will today descend on Holyrood to condemn a decision by ministers not to make expensive treatments available on the NHS. Dozens of parents and children affected by plagiocephaly, commonly known as Flat Head Syndrome, are to urge the Scottish Executive to roll out the use of specially-moulded helmets which reshape babies’ skulls.

The people of Braemar have told the Scottish Ambulance Service they will not accept any withdrawal of paramedics from the village. BBC Scotland revealed the possible closure of the depot, ahead of a public meeting with ambulance officials.

Police have formally apologised for taking 11 weeks to interview a man suspected of a serious sexual assault at a home for disabled young adults. One of Scotland’s most senior officers said the investigation into the alleged attack “should have been more robust” and fell short of normal standards.

Managers of Scotland’s wheelchair services have threatened to pull out of talks over its future unless there is a commitment for more funding. A recent review of the NHS Wheelchair and Seating Service said funding for it should be doubled to £30m a year.

A police officer is being held after being arrested over an alleged indecency offence. The 45-year-old officer, with Strathclyde Police, was detained after an incident in Glasgow on Saturday.

Super-strong cannabis is “rewiring” youngsters’ brains, Scotland’s top drug cop warned yesterday. Graeme Pearson, head of the Scottish Crime and Drug Enforcement Agency, said the “skunk” now being sold on our streets is far more potent than the cannabis smoked by hippies in the 60s.

A new report, backed by a coalition of charities, has said Government efforts to relieve poverty have failed since devolution. The report, Voices Of People Experiencing Poverty in Scotland, calls on the Scottish Executive and Westminster to do more to tackle low pay and poverty – and allow asylum seekers the right to work.

Teachers in mainstream schools do not expect as much of children with special needs as their counterparts in special schools, new research has suggested. The Strathclyde University study has raised concerns the pupils may not be doing as well as they could.