VWSL/03/05
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1. The attached letter of 24 January was issued to all members of the Steering Group and sub-groups with the purpose of clarifying the triggers for the first phase of the Act taking effect.
2. Members are invited to note the contents of the letter.
SEJD
Victims and Witnesses Unit
February 2005
ANNEX
Justice Department Victims and Witnesses Unit
To all Vulnerable Witnesses Act Implementation
Steering Group members and members of its sub-groups | GWR, Mail Point 6
St Andrew's House
Regent Road
Edinburgh EH1 3DG
Telephone: 0131-244 2690
Fax: 0131-244 3548
Bill.Moore@scotland.gsi.gov.uk
http://www.scotland.gov.uk Your ref:
Our ref: 2VX D 002/004 24 January 2005 |
Dear VWISG member/ sub-group member
VULNERABLE WITNESSES (SCOTLAND) ACT 2004 - DATE ACT TAKES EFFECT
Some of you may have received a letter from the Unit dated 7 January setting out the triggers for the first phase of the Vulnerable Witnesses Act coming into effect in respect of child witnesses in High Court and Sheriff Solemn cases and Children's Hearings court procedures. This letter should be ignored.
After further consideration it has been decided that the Act will take effect in respect of child witnesses in High Court and Sheriff Solemn cases when a case has been reported by the police to the Procurator Fiscal on or after 1 April 2005.
In respect of Children's Hearings court procedures the Act will only apply in respect of relevant appeals and applications under sections 51(1), 68 and 85 of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 which have been made on or after 1 April 2005.
Yours sincerely
W J MOORE