PART 1Domestic abuse: offence and aggravation

CHAPTER 3Miscellaneous provision

Criminal cases involving domestic abuse

Special measures directions23

(1)

The Criminal Evidence (Northern Ireland) Order 1999 is amended as follows.

(2)

In Article 5 (witnesses eligible for assistance on grounds of fear or distress about testifying)—

(a)

in paragraph (4), for “a sexual offence or a slavery or human trafficking offence” substitute “ an offence listed in paragraph (5) ”,

(b)

after paragraph (4) insert—

“(5)

The offences are—

(a)

a sexual offence,

(b)

a slavery or human trafficking offence,

(c)

an offence involving domestic abuse (see Article 3A).”.

(3)

In Article 13(4)(a) (evidence given in private), for “a sexual offence or a slavery or human trafficking offence” substitute “ an offence listed in Article 5(5) ”.