The Criminal Procedure Rules 2012

Reporting and access restrictions

16.4.—(1) This rule applies where the court can—

(a) impose a restriction on—

(i) reporting what takes place at a public hearing, or

(ii) public access to what otherwise would be a public hearing;

(b) withhold information from the public during a public hearing.

(2) The court may do so—

(a) on application by a party; or

(b) on its own initiative.

(3) A party who wants the court to do so must—

(a) apply as soon as reasonably practicable;

(b) notify—

(i) each other party, and

(ii) such other person (if any) as the court directs;

(c) specify the proposed terms of the order, and for how long it should last;

(d) explain—

(i) what power the court has to make the order, and

(ii) why an order in the terms proposed is necessary;

(e) where the application is for a reporting direction in respect of a witness under section 46 of the Youth Justice and Criminal Evidence Act 1999, explain—

(i) how the witness is eligible for assistance, and

(ii) why a reporting direction would be likely to improve the quality of the witness’ evidence, or the level of co-operation the witness gives the applicant in connection with the preparation of the applicant’s case.