PART XII

Evidence

Witness anonymity orders

Conditions for making orders
271R
1
This section applies where an application is made for a witness anonymity order to be made in relation to a witness in criminal proceedings.
2
The court may make the order only if it is satisfied that Conditions A to D below are met.
3
Condition A is that the proposed order is necessary—
a
in order to protect the safety of the witness or another person or to prevent any serious damage to property, or
b
in order to prevent real harm to the public interest (whether affecting the carrying on of any activities in the public interest or the safety of a person involved in carrying on such activities or otherwise).
4
Condition B is that, having regard to all the circumstances, the effect of the proposed order would be consistent with the accused's receiving a fair trial.
5
Condition C is that the importance of the witness's testimony is such that in the interests of justice the witness ought to testify.
6
Condition D is that—
a
the witness would not testify if the proposed order were not made, or
b
there would be real harm to the public interest if the witness were to testify without the proposed order being made.
7
In determining whether the measures to be specified in the order are necessary for the purpose mentioned in subsection (3)(a), the court must have regard in particular to any reasonable fear on the part of the witness—
a
that the witness or another person would suffer death or injury, or
b
that there would be serious damage to property,
if the witness were to be identified.
Ss. 271N-271Z inserted (28.3.2011) by Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 13), ss. 90(1), 206(1); S.S.I. 2011/178, art. 2, sch.
Ss. 271N-271Z applied (28.3.2011) by Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 13), ss. 90(3)(4), 206(1); S.S.I. 2011/178, art. 2, sch.