Justice Bill
Clause 26: Examination in criminal proceedings through intermediary
Clause 26 extends the provision of Registered Intermediaries beyond the Magistrates’ Court and Crown Court to the County Court and the Court of Appeal on an appeal. This will provide vulnerable defendants with communication difficulties with the assistance they need to participate effectively in appeal proceedings as a witness giving oral evidence in court.
Clause 26
Examination in criminal proceedings through intermediary
26. In Article 21BA (examination of accused through intermediary) of the Criminal Evidence (Northern Ireland) Order 1999, for paragraph (1) substitute—
“(1) This Article applies to any proceedings—
(a) in a magistrates’ court, or before the Crown Court, against a person for an offence,
(b) in the county court on an appeal by a person under Article 140 or 141 of the Magistrates’ Courts (Northern Ireland) Order 1981, and
(c) in the Court of Appeal on an appeal by a person under section 1 or 8 of the Criminal Appeal (Northern Ireland) Act 1980.”.