4(1)The latitude formerly used in stating time shall be implied in all statements of time where an exact time is not of the essence of the charge.S
(2)The latitude formerly used in stating any place by adding to the word “at”, or to the word “in”, the words “or near”, or the words “or in the near neighbourhood thereof” or similar words, shall be implied in all statements of place where the actual place is not of the essence of the charge.
(3)Subject to sub-paragraph (4) below, where the circumstances of the offence charged make it necessary to take an exceptional latitude in regard to time or place it shall not be necessary to set forth the circumstances in the indictment, or to set forth that the particular time or the particular place is to the prosecutor unknown.
(4)Where exceptional latitude is taken as mentioned in sub-paragraph (3) above, the court shall, if satisfied that such exceptional latitude was not reasonable in the circumstances of the case, give such remedy to the accused by adjournment of the trial or otherwise as shall seem just.
(5)Notwithstanding sub-paragraph (4) above, nothing in any rule of law shall prohibit the amendment of an indictment or, as the case may be, a complaint to include a time outwith the exceptional latitude if it appears to the court that the amendment would not prejudice the accused.
(6)The latitude formerly used in describing quantities by the words “or thereby”, or the words “or part thereof”, or the words “or some other quantity to the prosecutor unknown” or similar words, shall be implied in all statements of quantities.
(7)The latitude formerly used in stating details connected with the perpetration of any act regarding persons, things or modes by inserting general alternative statements followed by the words “to the prosecutor unknown” or similar words, shall be implied in every case.
(8)In this paragraph references to latitude formerly used are references to such use before the commencement of—
(a)in the case of proceedings on indictment, the M1Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1887; and
(b)in the case of summary proceedings, M2the Summary Jurisdiction (Scotland) Act 1908.