The following issues are to be addressed before the day of trial — the way in which the child is to give evidence; the editing of the recording of the child’s statement; and, any other matters relating to the rights of the child prescribed under the Evidence (Children) Act 1997. The prosecution is to identify the issues to be addressed and raise these with the defence prior to the trial date being set.

At the time of setting a trial date, the prosecution is to advise the court or callover registrar (for circuit sittings) of any pre-trial orders sought, including any request relating to the use of CCTV or other technology. If a pre-trial application cannot be dealt with at the time of setting a trial date, the pre-trial application will be listed on a date prior to the trial date. Where a pre-trial order is sought before a callover registrar, the registrar will contact the Manager, Criminal Listings and Judicial Arrangements, to seek instructions for arranging a pre-trial hearing.

To enable the provisions of the Criminal Procedure Amendment (Sexual Offence Case Management) Act 2005 to apply to a pre-trial order, an indictment is to be presented before a pre-trial order is made.

The procedure outlined in paragraphs 1.2 and 1.3 above also apply to an adult complainant in proceedings for a prescribed sexual offence.

Where a witness is to give evidence via CCTV and a party proposes to have the witness physically examine an exhibit, that party is to make arrangements with the court officer to facilitate this. Any defence exhibit provided to the court officer may be sealed to preserve confidentiality until such time as it is required to be shown to the witness.

The arrangements referred to above should be made before the trial commences.