Prisoners and Criminal Proceedings (Scotland) Act 1993

32Evidence from abroad through television links in solemn proceedings

After section 32 of the 1980 Act there shall be inserted the following section—

“32AEvidence from abroad through television links in solemn proceedings

(1)In any solemn proceedings in the High Court or the sheriff court a person other than the accused may give evidence through a live television link if—

(a)the witness is outside the United Kingdom;

(b)an application under subsection (2) below for the issue of a letter of request has been granted; and

(c)the court is satisfied as to the arrangements for the giving of evidence in that manner by that witness.

(2)The prosecutor or the defence in any proceedings referred to in subsection (1) above may apply to a judge of the court in which the trial is to take place (or, if that court is not yet known, to a judge of the High Court) for the issue of a letter of request to—

(a)a court or tribunal exercising jurisdiction in a country or territory outside the United Kingdom where a witness is ordinarily resident; or

(b)any authority which the judge is satisfied is recognised by the government of that country or territory as the appropriate authority for receiving requests for assistance in facilitating the giving of evidence through a live television link,

requesting assistance in facilitating the giving of evidence by that witness through a live television link.

(3)An application under subsection (2) above shall be granted only if the judge is satisfied that—

(a)the evidence which it is averred the witness is able to give is necessary for the proper adjudication of the trial; and

(b)the granting of the application—

(i)is in the interests of justice; and

(ii)in the case of an application by the prosecutor, is not unfair to the accused.

(4)The power of the High Court to make Acts of Adjournal under the 1975 Act shall include power to make such provision as it considers necessary or expedient for the purposes of this section.”.