Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1975

375 Insanity in bar of trial

(1) Subject to the following provisions of this section, any rule of law relating to insanity standing in bar of trial shall apply in the case of a person charged summarily in the sheriff court as it would apply if that person were charged on indictment.

(2) Where, in the case of any person charged summarily in the sheriff court, the court is satisfied that the person is insane so that the trial of that person cannot proceed, the court shall direct a finding to that effect, and the reasons for that finding, to be recorded, and shall deal with him in the manner provided by section 376(2) of this Act.

(3) It shall not be competent for a person charged as aforesaid to found on a plea of insanity standing in bar of trial unless, before the first witness for the prosecution is called, he gives notice to the prosecutor of the plea and of the witnesses by whom he proposes to maintain it; and where notice as aforesaid has been given, the court shall, if the prosecutor so moves, adjourn the case.

(4) Where it appears to a court that it is not practicable or appropriate for the accused to be brought before it for the purpose of determining whether he is insane so that his trial cannot proceed, then, if no objection to such a course is taken by or on behalf of the accused, the court may order that the case be proceeded with in his absence.