New law will end courtroom ordeal for children

CHILDREN are to be spared the ordeal of giving evidence in court under legislation introduced at Holyrood.

the scottish Government’s proposed Vulnerable Witnesses Bill will create a rule that the evidence of witnesses under the age of 18 should be pre-recorded in the most serious criminal trials.

further provisions would allow this to be extended to vulnerable adult witnesses, such as victims of sexual offences, human trafficking, stalking or domestic abuse.

the legislation, if passed, would also make it easier for vulnerable witnesses to request other measures such as giving evidence via a television link.

Justice secretary Michael Matheson said: ‘Building on our other improvements for victims and witnesses, this Bill is an important step forward, which will mean far fewer vulnerable witnesses have to give evidence in court during criminal trials.

‘as young witnesses often need extra support, we have previously made clear that this reform must focus in the first instance on children.’

Mary Glasgow, interim chief executive of the Children 1st charity, said: ‘this Bill marks another crucial stage on scotland’s journey towards creating a fairer justice system for all. there is clear evidence taking a child-friendly approach to pre-recording children’s evidence can reduce the risk that they experience further harm and improve the quality of their evidence. this benefits everybody, including the accused.’

Matt forde, national head of service for NSPCC scotland, said: ‘these proposed changes are vital in order to spare young victims of appalling crimes the painful experience of giving evidence in court.’