Magistrates' Courts (Criminal Justice (Children)) Rules (Northern Ireland) 1999

Right of parent or guardian to conduct case

4.—(1) The court shall, except where the child is legally represented, allow his parent or guardian to assist him in conducting his defence, including the cross-examination of witnesses for the prosecution.

(2) Where the parent or guardian cannot be found or cannot in the opinion of the court reasonably be required to attend, the court may allow any relative or other responsible person to take the place of the parent or guardian for the purposes of this Part and any reference therein to the parent or guardian shall be taken as a reference to such person.