Part 3Criminal evidence, investigations and procedure
Chapter 3Vulnerable and intimidated witnesses
Special measures for vulnerable and intimidated witnesses
99Eligibility for special measures: offences involving weapons
1
The Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999 is amended as follows.
2
In section 17 (witnesses eligible for assistance on grounds of fear or distress about testifying), after subsection (4) add—
5
A witness in proceedings relating to a relevant offence (or to a relevant offence and any other offences) is eligible for assistance in relation to those proceedings by virtue of this subsection unless the witness has informed the court of the witness’s wish not to be so eligible by virtue of this subsection.
6
For the purposes of subsection (5) an offence is a relevant offence if it is an offence described in Schedule 1A.
7
The Secretary of State may by order amend Schedule 1A.
3
In section 64(3) (orders subject to affirmative resolution procedure), in paragraph (a) after “section” insert “17(7),”.
4
Before Schedule 2 insert the Schedule 1A set out in Schedule 14 to this Act.