53Magistrates' courts permitted to sit at other locationsE+W
(1)This section applies where—
(a)a magistrates' court is minded to give a direction under section 51 for [F1evidence to be given through a live link in proceedings before the court] [F1a person to take part in proceedings before the court through a live audio link or a live video link], and
(b)suitable facilities for [F2receiving such evidence] [F2such participation] are not available at any [F3place at] which the court can (apart from subsection (2)) lawfully sit.
(2)The court may sit for the purposes of the whole or any part of the proceedings at any place at which such facilities are available and which has been [F4authorised by a direction under section 30 of the Courts Act 2003].
[F5(3)If the place mentioned in subsection (2) is outside the local justice area in which the justices act it shall be deemed to be in that area for the purpose of the jurisdiction of the justices acting in that area.]
Textual Amendments
F1Words in s. 53(1)(a) substituted (temp.) (25.3.2020) by virtue of Coronavirus Act 2020 (c. 7), s. 87(1), Sch. 23 para. 3(2)(a) (with ss. 88-90)
F2Words in s. 53(1)(b) substituted (temp.) (25.3.2020) by virtue of Coronavirus Act 2020 (c. 7), s. 87(1), Sch. 23 para. 3(2)(b) (with ss. 88-90)
F3Words in s. 53(1)(b) substituted (1.4.2005) by The Courts Act 2003 (Consequential Provisions) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/886), art. 2, Sch. para. 99(a)
F4Words in s. 53(2) substituted (1.4.2005) by The Courts Act 2003 (Consequential Provisions) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/886), art. 2, Sch. para. 99(b)
F5S. 53(3) substituted (1.4.2005) by The Courts Act 2003 (Consequential Provisions) Order 2005 (S.I. 2005/886), art. 2, Sch. para. 99(c)