Remit of mentally disordered persons from district court

52ARemit of certain mentally disordered persons from district court to sheriff court

Where—

a

a person has been charged in a district court with an offence punishable by imprisonment; and

b

it appears to the court that the person has a mental disorder,

the district court shall remit the person to the sheriff in the manner provided by section 7(9) and (10) of this Act.

Assessment orders

52BProsecutor’s power to apply for assessment order

1

Where—

a

a person has been charged with an offence;

b

a relevant disposal has not been made in the proceedings in respect of the offence; and

c

it appears to the prosecutor that the person has a mental disorder,

the prosecutor may apply to the court for an order under section 52D(2) of this Act (in this Act referred to as an “assessment order”) in respect of that person.

2

Where the prosecutor applies for an assessment order under subsection (1) above, the prosecutor shall, as soon as reasonably practicable after making the application, inform the persons mentioned in subsection (3) below of the making of the application.

3

Those persons are—

a

the person in respect of whom the application is made;

b

any solicitor acting for the person; and

c

in a case where the person is in custody, the Scottish Ministers.

4

In this section—

• “court” means any court, other than a district court, competent to deal with the case; and

• “relevant disposal” means—

  1. a

     the liberation in due course of law of the person charged;

  2. b

     the desertion of summary proceedings pro loco et tempore or simpliciter;

  3. c

     the desertion of solemn proceedings simpliciter;

  4. d

     the acquittal of the person charged; or

  5. e

     the conviction of the person charged.

52CScottish Ministers' power to apply for assessment order

1

Where—

a

a person has been charged with an offence;

b

the person has not been sentenced;

c

the person is in custody; and

d

it appears to the Scottish Ministers that the person has a mental disorder,

the Scottish Ministers may apply to the court for an assessment order in respect of that person.

2

Where the Scottish Ministers apply for an order under subsection (1) above, they shall, as soon as reasonably practicable after making the application, inform the persons mentioned in subsection (3) below of the making of the application.

3

Those persons are—

a

the person in respect of whom the application is made;

b

any solicitor acting for the person; and

c

in a case where a relevant disposal has not been made in the proceedings in respect of the offence with which the person is charged, the prosecutor.

4

In this section, “court” and “relevant disposal” have the same meanings as in section 52B of this Act.

52DAssessment order

1

This section applies where an application for an assessment order is made under section 52B(1) or 52C(1) of this Act.

2

If the court is satisfied—

a

on the written or oral evidence of a medical practitioner, as to the matters mentioned in subsection (3) below; and

b

that, having regard to the matters mentioned in subsection (4) below, it is appropriate,

it may, subject to subsection (5) below, make an assessment order authorising the measures mentioned in subsection (6) below and specifying any matters to be included in the report under section 52G(1) of this Act.

3

The matters referred to in subsection (2)(a) above are—

a

that there are reasonable grounds for believing—

i

that the person in respect of whom the application is made has a mental disorder;

ii

that it is necessary to detain the person in hospital to assess whether the conditions mentioned in subsection (7) below are met in respect of the person; and

iii

that if the assessment order were not made there would be a significant risk to the health, safety or welfare of the person or a significant risk to the safety of any other person;

b

that the hospital proposed by the medical practitioner is suitable for the purpose of assessing whether the conditions mentioned in subsection (7) below are met in respect of the person;

c

that, if an assessment order were made, the person could be admitted to such hospital before the expiry of the period of 7 days beginning with the day on which the order is made; and

d

that it would not be reasonably practicable to carry out the assessment mentioned in paragraph (b) above unless an order were made.

4

The matters referred to in subsection (2)(b) above are—

a

all the circumstances (including the nature of the offence with which the person in respect of whom the application is made is charged or, as the case may be, of which the person was convicted); and

b

any alternative means of dealing with the person.

5

The court may make an assessment order only if the person in respect of whom the application is made has not been sentenced.

6

The measures are—

a

in the case of a person who, when the assessment order is made, has not been admitted to the specified hospital, the removal, before the expiry of the period of 7 days beginning with the day on which the order is made, of the person to the specified hospital by—

i

a constable;

ii

a person employed in, or contracted to provide services in or to, the specified hospital who is authorised by the managers of that hospital to remove persons to hospital for the purposes of this section; or

iii

a specified person;

b

the detention, for the period of 28 days beginning with the day on which the order is made, of the person in the specified hospital; and

c

during the period of 28 days beginning with the day on which the order is made, the giving to the person, in accordance with Part 16 of the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 (asp 13), of medical treatment.

7

The conditions referred to in paragraphs (a)(ii) and (b) of subsection (3) above are—

a

that the person in respect of whom the application is made has a mental disorder;

b

that medical treatment which would be likely to—

i

prevent the mental disorder worsening; or

ii

alleviate any of the symptoms, or effects, of the disorder,

is available for the person; and

c

that if the person were not provided with such medical treatment there would be a significant risk—

i

to the health, safety or welfare of the person; or

ii

to the safety of any other person.

8

The court may make an assessment order in the absence of the person in respect of whom the application is made only if—

a

the person is represented by counsel or a solicitor;

b

that counsel or solicitor is given an opportunity of being heard; and

c

the court is satisfied that it is—

i

impracticable; or

ii

inappropriate,

for the person to be brought before it.

9

An assessment order may include such directions as the court thinks fit for the removal of the person subject to the order to, and detention of the person in, a place of safety pending the person’s admission to the specified hospital.

10

The court shall, as soon as reasonably practicable after making an assessment order, give notice of the making of the order to—

a

the person subject to the order;

b

any solicitor acting for the person;

c

in a case where—

i

the person has been charged with an offence; and

ii

a relevant disposal has not been made in the proceedings in respect of the offence,

the prosecutor;

d

in a case where the person, immediately before the order was made, was in custody, the Scottish Ministers; and

e

the Mental Welfare Commission.

11

In this section—

• “court” has the same meaning as in section 52B of this Act;

• “medical treatment” has the meaning given by section 329(1) of the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 (asp 13);

• “relevant disposal” has the same meaning as in section 52B of this Act; and

• “specified” means specified in the assessment order.

52EAssessment order made ex proprio motu: application of section 52D

1

Where—

a

a person has been charged with an offence;

b

the person has not been sentenced; and

c

it appears to the court that the person has a mental disorder,

the court may, subject to subsections (2) and (3) below, make an assessment order in respect of that person.

2

The court may make an assessment order under subsection (1) above only if it would make one under subsections (2) to (11) of section 52D of this Act; and those subsections shall apply for the purposes of subsection (1) above as they apply for the purposes of subsection (1) of that section, references in those subsections to the person in respect of whom the application is made being construed as references to the person in respect of whom it is proposed to make an assessment order.

3

An assessment order made under subsection (1) above shall, for the purposes of this Act and the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 (asp 13), be treated as if made under section 52D(2) of this Act.

4

In this section, “court” has the same meaning as in section 52B of this Act.

52FAssessment order: supplementary

1

If, before the expiry of the period of 7 days beginning with the day on which an assessment order is made—

a

in the case of a person who, immediately before the order was made, was in custody, it appears to the Scottish Ministers; or

b

in any other case, it appears to the court,

that, by reason of emergency or other special circumstances, it is not reasonably practicable for the person to be admitted to the hospital specified in the order, the Scottish Ministers, or, as the case may be, the court, may direct that the person be admitted to the hospital specified in the direction.

2

Where the court makes a direction under subsection (1) above, it shall, as soon as reasonably practicable after making the direction, inform the person having custody of the person subject to the assessment order of the making of the direction.

3

Where the Scottish Ministers make a direction under subsection (1) above, they shall, as soon as reasonably practicable after making the direction, inform—

a

the court;

b

the person having custody of the person subject to the assessment order; and

c

in a case where—

i

the person has been charged with an offence; and

ii

a relevant disposal has not been made in the proceedings in respect of the offence,

the prosecutor,

of the making of the direction.

4

Where a direction is made under subsection (1) above, the assessment order shall have effect as if the hospital specified in the direction were the hospital specified in the order.

5

In this section—

• “court” means the court which made the assessment order; and

• “relevant disposal” has the same meaning as in section 52B of this Act.

52GReview of assessment order

1

The responsible medical officer shall, before the expiry of the period of 28 days beginning with the day on which the assessment order is made, submit a report in writing to the court—

a

as to whether the conditions mentioned in section 52D(7) of this Act are met in respect of the person subject to the order; and

b

as to any matters specified by the court under section 52D(2) of this Act.

2

The responsible medical officer shall, at the same time as such officer submits the report to the court, send a copy of such report—

a

to the person in respect of whom the report is made;

b

to any solicitor acting for the person;

c

in a case where—

i

the person has been charged with an offence; and

ii

a relevant disposal has not been made in the proceedings in respect of the offence,

to the prosecutor; and

d

to the Scottish Ministers.

3

Subject to subsection (4) below, the court shall, on receiving a report submitted under subsection (1) above, revoke the assessment order and—

a

subject to subsections (7) and (8) below, make a treatment order; or

b

commit the person to prison or such other institution to which the person might have been committed had the assessment order not been made or otherwise deal with the person as the court considers appropriate.

4

If, on receiving a report submitted under subsection (1) above, the court is satisfied that further time is necessary to assess whether the conditions mentioned in section 52D(7) of this Act are met in respect of the person subject to the assessment order, it may, on one occasion only, make an order extending the assessment order for a period not exceeding 7 days beginning with the day on which the order otherwise would cease to authorise the detention of the person in hospital.

5

The court may, under subsection (4) above, extend an assessment order in the absence of the person subject to the order only if—

a

the person is represented by counsel or a solicitor;

b

that counsel or solicitor is given an opportunity of being heard; and

c

the court is satisfied that it is—

i

impracticable; or

ii

inappropriate,

for the person to be brought before it.

6

Where the court makes an order under subsection (4) above, it shall, as soon as reasonably practicable after making the order, give notice of the making of the order to—

a

the persons mentioned in paragraphs (a) and (b) of subsection (2) above;

b

in a case where—

i

the person has been charged with an offence; and

ii

a relevant disposal has not been made in the proceedings in respect of the offence,

the prosecutor;

c

the Scottish Ministers; and

d

the person’s responsible medical officer.

7

The court shall make a treatment order under subsection (3)(a) above only if it would make one under subsections (2) to (10) of section 52M of this Act; and those subsections shall apply for the purposes of subsection (3)(a) above as they apply for the purposes of that section, references in those subsections to the person in respect of whom the application is made being construed as references to the person in respect of whom it is proposed to make a treatment order.

8

A treatment order made under subsection (3)(a) above shall, for the purposes of this Act and the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 (asp 13), be treated as if made under section 52M(2) of this Act.

9

The responsible medical officer shall, where that officer is satisfied that there has been a change of circumstances since the assessment order was made which justifies the variation of the order, submit a report to the court in writing.

10

Where a report is submitted under subsection (9) above, the court shall—

a

if satisfied that the person need not be subject to an assessment order, revoke the order and take any action mentioned in subsection (3)(b) above; or

b

if not so satisfied—

i

confirm the order;

ii

vary the order; or

iii

revoke the order and take any action mentioned in subsection (3)(b) above.

11

Sections 52D, 52F, 52H and 52J of this Act and subsections (1) to (3) above apply to the variation of an order under subsection (10)(b)(ii) above as they apply to an assessment order.

12

In this section—

• “court” means the court which made the assessment order;

• “relevant disposal” has the same meaning as in section 52B of this Act; and

• “responsible medical officer” means the person’s responsible medical officer appointed under section 230 of the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 (asp 13).

52HEarly termination of assessment order

1

This section applies where—

a

in the case of a person who, when the assessment order is made, has not been removed to the hospital specified in the order, the period of 7 days beginning with the day on which the order is made has not expired;

b

in the case of a person—

i

who, when the assessment order is made, has been admitted to the hospital specified in the order; or

ii

who has been removed under paragraph (a) of subsection (6) of section 52D of this Act to the hospital so specified,

the period of 28 days beginning with the day on which the order is made has not expired; or

c

in the case of a person in respect of whom the court has made an order under section 52G(4) of this Act extending the assessment order for a period, the period for which the order was extended has not expired.

2

An assessment order shall cease to have effect on the occurrence of any of the following events—

a

the making of a treatment order in respect of the person subject to the assessment order;

b

in a case where—

i

the person subject to the assessment order has been charged with an offence; and

ii

a relevant disposal had not been made in the proceedings in respect of that offence when the order was made,

the making of a relevant disposal in such proceedings;

c

in a case where the person subject to the assessment order has been convicted of an offence but has not been sentenced—

i

the deferral of sentence by the court under section 202(1) of this Act;

ii

the making of one of the orders mentioned in subsection (3) below or

iii

the imposition of any sentence.

3

The orders are—

a

an interim compulsion order;

b

a compulsion order;

c

a guardianship order;

d

a hospital direction;

e

any order under section 57 of this Act; or

f

a probation order which includes a requirement imposed by virtue of section 230(1) of this Act.

4

In this section, “relevant disposal” has the same meaning as in section 52B of this Act.

52JPower of court on assessment order ceasing to have effect

1

Where, otherwise than by virtue of section 52G(3) or (10) or 52H(2) of this Act, an assessment order ceases to have effect the court shall commit the person who was subject to the order to prison or such other institution to which the person might have been committed had the order not been made or otherwise deal with the person as the court considers appropriate.

2

In this section, “court” has the same meaning as in section 52B of this Act.

Treatment orders

52KProsecutor’s power to apply for treatment order

1

Where—

a

a person has been charged with an offence;

b

a relevant disposal has not been made in the proceedings in respect of the offence; and

c

it appears to the prosecutor that the person has a mental disorder,

the prosecutor may apply to the court for an order under section 52M of this Act (in this Act referred to as a “treatment order”) in respect of that person.

2

Where the prosecutor applies for a treatment order under subsection (1) above, the prosecutor shall, as soon as reasonably practicable after making the application, inform the persons mentioned in subsection (3) below of the making of the application.

3

Those persons are—

a

the person in respect of whom the application is made;

b

any solicitor acting for the person; and

c

in a case where the person is in custody, the Scottish Ministers.

4

In this section, “court” and “relevant disposal” have the same meanings as in section 52B of this Act.

52LScottish Ministers' power to apply for treatment order

1

Where—

a

a person has been charged with an offence;

b

the person has not been sentenced;

c

the person is in custody; and

d

it appears to the Scottish Ministers that the person has a mental disorder,

the Scottish Ministers may apply to the court for a treatment order in respect of that person.

2

Where the Scottish Ministers apply for an order under subsection (1) above, they shall, as soon as reasonably practicable after making the application, inform the persons mentioned in subsection (3) below of the making of the application.

3

Those persons are—

a

the person in respect of whom the application is made;

b

any solicitor acting for the person; and

c

in a case where a relevant disposal has not been made in the proceedings in respect of the offence with which the person is charged, the prosecutor.

4

In this section, “court” and “relevant disposal” have the same meanings as in section 52B of this Act.

52MTreatment order

1

This section applies where an application for a treatment order is made under section 52K(1) or 52L(1) of this Act.

2

If the court is satisfied—

a

on the written or oral evidence of two medical practitioners, as to the matters mentioned in subsection (3) below; and

b

that, having regard to the matters mentioned in subsection (4) below, it is appropriate,

it may, subject to subsection (5) below, make a treatment order authorising the measures mentioned in subsection (6) below.

3

The matters referred to in subsection (2)(a) above are—

a

that the conditions mentioned in subsection (7) of section 52D of this Act are met in relation to the person in respect of whom the application is made;

b

that the hospital proposed by the approved medical practitioner and the medical practitioner is suitable for the purpose of giving medical treatment to the person; and

c

that, if a treatment order were made, such person could be admitted to such hospital before the expiry of the period of 7 days beginning with the day on which the order is made.

4

The matters referred to in subsection (2)(b) above are—

a

all the circumstances (including the nature of the offence with which the person in respect of whom the application is made is charged or, as the case may be, of which the person was convicted); and

b

any alternative means of dealing with the person.

5

The court may make a treatment order only if the person in respect of whom the application is made has not been sentenced.

6

The measures are—

a

in the case of a person who, when the treatment order is made, has not been admitted to the specified hospital, the removal, before the expiry of the period of 7 days beginning with the day on which the order is made, of the person to the specified hospital by—

i

a constable;

ii

a person employed in, or contracted to provide services in or to, the specified hospital who is authorised by the managers of that hospital to remove persons to hospital for the purposes of this section; or

iii

a specified person;

b

the detention of the person in the specified hospital; and

c

the giving to the person, in accordance with Part 16 of the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 (asp 13), of medical treatment.

7

The court may make a treatment order in the absence of the person in respect of whom the application is made only if—

a

the person is represented by counsel or solicitor;

b

that counsel or solicitor is given an opportunity of being heard; and

c

the court is satisfied that it is—

i

impracticable; or

ii

inappropriate,

for the person to be brought before it.

8

A treatment order may include such directions as the court thinks fit for the removal of the person subject to the order to, and detention of the person in, a place of safety pending the person’s admission to the specified hospital.

9

The court shall, as soon as reasonably practicable after making a treatment order, give notice of the making of the order to—

a

the person subject to the order;

b

any solicitor acting for the person;

c

in a case where—

i

the person has been charged with an offence; and

ii

a relevant disposal has not been made in the proceedings in respect of the offence,

the prosecutor;

d

in a case where the person, immediately before the order was made—

i

was in custody; or

ii

was subject to an assessment order and, immediately before that order was made, was in custody,

the Scottish Ministers; and

e

the Mental Welfare Commission.

10

In this section—

• “court” has the same meaning as in section 52B of this Act;

• “medical treatment” has the same meaning as in section 52D of this Act; and

• “specified” means specified in the treatment order.

52NTreatment order made ex proprio motu: application of section 52M

1

Where—

a

a person has been charged with an offence;

b

the person has not been sentenced; and

c

it appears to the court that the person has a mental disorder,

the court may, subject to subsections (2) and (3) below, make a treatment order in respect of that person.

2

The court may make a treatment order under subsection (1) above only if it would make one under subsections (2) to (10) of section 52M of this Act; and those subsections shall apply for the purposes of subsection (1) above as they apply for the purposes of subsection (1) of that section, references in those subsections to the person in respect of whom the application is made being construed as references to the person in respect of whom it is proposed to make a treatment order.

3

A treatment order made under subsection (1) above shall, for the purposes of this Act and the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 (asp 13), be treated as if made under section 52M(2) of this Act.

4

In this section, “court” has the same meaning as in section 52B of this Act.

52PTreatment order: supplementary

1

If, before the expiry of the period of 7 days beginning with the day on which the treatment order is made—

a

in the case of a person to whom subsection (2) below applies, it appears to the Scottish Ministers; or

b

in any other case, it appears to the court,

that, by reason of emergency or other special circumstances, it is not reasonably practicable for the person to be admitted to the hospital specified in the order, the Scottish Ministers, or, as the case may be, the court, may direct that the person be admitted to the hospital specified in the direction.

2

This subsection applies to—

a

a person who is in custody immediately before the treatment order is made; or

b

a person—

i

who was subject to an assessment order immediately before the treatment order is made; and

ii

who was in custody immediately before that assessment order was made.

3

Where the court makes a direction under subsection (1) above, it shall, as soon as reasonably practicable after making the direction, inform the person having custody of the person subject to the treatment order of the making of the direction.

4

Where the Scottish Ministers make a direction under subsection (1) above, they shall, as soon as reasonably practicable after making the direction, inform—

a

the court;

b

the person having custody of the person subject to the treatment order; and

c

in a case where—

i

the person has been charged with an offence; and

ii

a relevant disposal has not been made in the proceedings in respect of the offence,

the prosecutor,

of the making of the direction.

5

Where a direction is made under subsection (1) above, the treatment order shall have effect as if the hospital specified in the direction were the hospital specified in the order.

6

In this section—

• “court” means the court which made the treatment order; and

• “relevant disposal” has the same meaning as in section 52B of this Act.

52QReview of treatment order

1

The responsible medical officer shall, where that officer is satisfied—

a

that any of the conditions mentioned in section 52D(7) of this Act are no longer met in respect of the person subject to the treatment order; or

b

that there has otherwise been a change of circumstances since the order was made which makes the continued detention of the person in hospital by virtue of the order no longer appropriate,

submit a report in writing to the court.

2

Where a report is submitted under subsection (1) above, the court shall—

a

if satisfied that the person need not be subject to the treatment order—

i

revoke the order; and

ii

commit the person to prison or such other institution to which the person might have been committed had the order not been made or otherwise deal with the person as the court considers appropriate; or

b

if not so satisfied—

i

confirm the order;

ii

vary the order; or

iii

revoke the order and take any action mentioned in paragraph (a)(ii) above.

3

Sections 52M, 52P, this section and sections 52R and 52S of this Act apply to the variation of a treatment order under subsection (2)(b)(ii) above as they apply to a treatment order.

4

In this section—

• “court” means the court which made the treatment order; and

• “responsible medical officer” means the person’s responsible medical officer appointed under section 230 of the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 (asp 13).

52RTermination of treatment order

1

This section applies—

a

where, in the case of a person who, when the treatment order is made, has not been removed to the hospital specified in the order, the period of 7 days beginning with the day on which the order is made has not expired; or

b

in the case of a person—

i

who, when the treatment order is made, has been admitted to the hospital specified in the order; or

ii

who has been removed under paragraph (a) of subsection (6) of section 52M of this Act to the hospital so specified.

2

A treatment order shall cease to have effect on the occurrence of any of the following events—

a

in a case where—

i

the person subject to the treatment order has been charged with an offence; and

ii

a relevant disposal had not been made in the proceedings in respect of such offence when the order was made,

the making of a relevant disposal in such proceedings;

b

in a case where the person subject to the treatment order has been convicted of an offence but has not been sentenced—

i

the deferral of sentence by the court under section 202(1) of this Act;

ii

the making of one of the orders mentioned in subsection (3) below; or

iii

the imposition of any sentence.

3

The orders are—

a

an interim compulsion order;

b

a compulsion order;

c

a guardianship order;

d

a hospital direction;

e

any order under section 57 of this Act; or

f

a probation order which includes a requirement imposed by virtue of section 230(1) of this Act.

4

In this section, “relevant disposal” has the same meaning as in section 52B of this Act.

52SPower of court on treatment order ceasing to have effect

1

Where, otherwise than by virtue of section 52Q(2) or 52R(2) of this Act, a treatment order ceases to have effect the court shall commit the person who was subject to the order to prison or such other institution to which the person might have been committed had the order not been made or otherwise deal with the person as the court considers appropriate.

2

In this section, “court” has the same meaning as in section 52B of this Act.

Prevention of delay in trials

52TPrevention of delay in trials: assessment orders and treatment orders

1

Subsections (4) to (9) of section 65 of this Act shall apply in the case of a person F1committed for an offence until liberated in due course of law who is detained in hospital by virtue of an assessment order or a treatment order as those subsections apply in the case of an accused who is—

a

committed for an offence until liberated in due course of law; and

b

detained by virtue of that committal.

2

Section 147 of this Act shall apply in the case of a person charged with an offence in summary proceedings who is detained in hospital by virtue of an assessment order or a treatment order as it applies in the case of an accused who is detained in respect of that offence.

3

Any period during which, under—

a

section 221 (as read with sections 222 and 223) of the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 (asp 13); or

b

section 224 (as read with sections 225 and 226) of that Act,

a patient’s detention is not authorised shall be taken into account for the purposes of the calculation of any of the periods mentioned in subsection (4) below.

4

Those periods are—

a

the total periods of 80 days F2, 110 daysF3and 140 days referred to F4... in F4... subsection (4) of section 65 of this Act as applied by subsection (1) above;

b

those total periods as extended under subsection (5) F4... or, on appeal, under subsection (8) of that section as so applied;

c

the total of 40 days referred to in section 147 of this Act (prevention of delay in trials in summary proceedings) as applied by subsection (2) above; and

d

that period as extended under subsection (2) of that section or, on appeal, under subsection (3) of that section as so applied.

Effect of assessment and treatment orders on pre-existing mental health orders

52UEffect of assessment order and treatment order on pre-existing mental health order

1

This section applies where—

a

a patient is subject to a relevant order; and

b

an assessment order or a treatment order is made in respect of the patient.

2

The relevant order shallF4... cease to authorise the measures specified in it for the period during which the patient is subject to the assessment order or, as the case may be, treatment order.

F43

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4

In this section, a “relevant order” means—

a

an interim compulsory treatment order made under section 65(2) of the 2003 Act; and

b

a compulsory treatment order made under section 64(4)(a) of that Act.

Interim compulsion orders

53Interim compulsion order

1

This section applies where a person (referred to in this section and in sections 53A to 53D of this Act as an “offender”)—

a

is convicted in the High Court or the sheriff court of an offence punishable by imprisonment (other than an offence the sentence for which is fixed by law); or

b

is remitted to the High Court by the sheriff under any enactment for sentence for such an offence.

2

If the court is satisfied—

a

on the written or oral evidence of two medical practitioners—

i

that the offender has a mental disorder; and

ii

as to the matters mentioned in subsection (3) below; and

b

that, having regard to the matters mentioned in subsection (4) below, it is appropriate,

it may, subject to subsection (7) below, make an order (in this Act referred to as an “interim compulsion order”) authorising the measures mentioned in subsection (8) below and specifying any matters to be included in the report under section 53B(1) of this Act.

3

The matters referred to in subsection (2)(a)(ii) above are—

a

that there are reasonable grounds for believing—

i

that the conditions mentioned in subsection (5) below are likely to be met in respect of the offender; and

ii

that the offender’s mental disorder is such that it would be appropriate to make one of the disposals mentioned in subsection (6) below in relation to the offender;

b

that the hospital to be specified in the order is suitable for the purpose of assessing whether the conditions mentioned in subsection (5) below are met in respect of the offender;

c

that, were an interim compulsion order made, the offender could be admitted to such hospital before the expiry of the period of 7 days beginning with the day on which the order is made; and

d

that it would not be reasonably practicable for the assessment mentioned in paragraph (b) above to be made unless an order were made.

4

The matters referred to in subsection (2)(b) above are—

a

all the circumstances (including the nature of the offence of which the offender is convicted); and

b

any alternative means of dealing with the offender.

5

The conditions referred to in paragraphs (a)(i) and (b) of subsection (3) above are—

a

that medical treatment which would be likely to—

i

prevent the mental disorder worsening; or

ii

alleviate any of the symptoms, or effects, of the disorder,

is available for the offender;

b

that if the offender were not provided with such medical treatment there would be a significant risk—

i

to the health, safety or welfare of the offender; or

ii

to the safety of any other person; and

c

that the making of an interim compulsion order in respect of the offender is necessary.

6

The disposals are—

a

both a compulsion order that authorises detention in hospital by virtue of section 57A(8)(a) of this Act and a restriction order; or

b

a hospital direction.

7

An interim compulsion order may authorise detention in a state hospital only if, on the written or oral evidence of the two medical practitioners mentioned in subsection (2)(a) above, it appears to the court—

a

that the offender requires to be detained in hospital under conditions of special security; and

b

that such conditions of special security can be provided only in a state hospital.

8

The measures are—

a

in the case of an offender who, when the interim compulsion order is made, has not been admitted to the specified hospital, the removal, before the expiry of the period of 7 days beginning with the day on which the order is made, of the offender to the specified hospital by—

i

a constable;

ii

a person employed in, or contracted to provide services in or to, the specified hospital who is authorised by the managers of that hospital to remove persons to hospital for the purposes of this section; or

iii

a specified person;

b

the detention, for a period not exceeding 12 weeks beginning with the day on which the order is made, of the offender in the specified hospital; and

c

during the period of 12 weeks beginning with the day on which the order is made, the giving to the offender, in accordance with Part 16 of the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 (asp 13), of medical treatment.

9

An interim compulsion order may include such directions as the court thinks fit for the removal of the offender to, and the detention of the offender in, a place of safety pending the offender’s admission to the specified hospital.

10

The court may make an interim compulsion order in the absence of the offender only if—

a

the offender is represented by counsel or solicitor;

b

that counsel or solicitor is given an opportunity of being heard; and

c

the court is satisfied that it is—

i

impracticable; or

ii

inappropriate,

for the offender to be brought before it.

11

The court shall, as soon as reasonably practicable after making an interim compulsion order, give notice of the making of the order to—

a

the person subject to the order;

b

any solicitor acting for that person;

c

the Scottish Ministers; and

d

the Mental Welfare Commission.

12

Where a court makes an interim compulsion order in relation to an offender, the court—

a

shall not, at the same time—

i

make an order under section 200 of this Act;

ii

impose a fine;

iii

pass sentence of imprisonment;

iv

make a compulsion order;

v

make a guardianship order;

vi

make a probation order; or

vii

make a community service order,

in relation of the offender;

b

may make any other order which it has power to make apart from this section.

13

In this section—

• “medical treatment” has the same meaning as in section 52D of this Act;

• “sentence of imprisonment” includes any sentence or order for detention; and

• “specified” means specified in the interim compulsion order.

53AInterim compulsion order: supplementary

1

If, before the expiry of the period of 7 days beginning with the day on which the interim compulsion order is made, it appears to the court, or, as the case may be, the Scottish Ministers, that, by reason of emergency or other special circumstances, it is not reasonably practicable for the offender to be admitted to the hospital specified in the order, the court, or, as the case may be, the Scottish Ministers, may direct that the offender be admitted to the hospital specified in the direction.

2

Where—

a

the court makes a direction under subsection (1) above, it shall, as soon as reasonably practicable after making the direction, inform the person having custody of the offender; and

b

the Scottish Ministers make such a direction, they shall, as soon as reasonably practicable after making the direction, inform—

i

the court; and

ii

the person having custody of the offender.

3

Where a direction is made under subsection (1) above, the interim compulsion order shall have effect as if the hospital specified in the direction were the hospital specified in the order.

4

In this section, “court” means the court which made the interim compulsion order.

53BReview and extension of interim compulsion order

1

The responsible medical officer shall, before the expiry of the period specified by the court under section 53(8)(b) of this Act, submit a report in writing to the court—

a

as to the matters mentioned in subsection (2) below; and

b

as to any matters specified by the court under section 53(2) of this Act.

2

The matters are—

a

whether the conditions mentioned in section 53(5) of this Act are met in respect of the offender;

b

the type (or types) of mental disorder that the offender has; and

c

whether it is necessary to extend the interim compulsion order to allow further time for the assessment mentioned in section 53(3)(b) of this Act.

3

The responsible medical officer shall, at the same time as such officer submits the report to the court, send a copy of such report to—

a

the offender; and

b

any solicitor acting for the offender.

4

The court may, on receiving the report submitted under subsection (1) above, if satisfied that the extension of the order is necessary, extend the order for such period (not exceeding 12 weeks beginning with the day on which the order would cease to have effect were such an extension not made) as the court may specify.

5

The court may extend an interim compulsion order under subsection (4) above for a period only if, by doing so, the total period for which the offender will be subject to the order does not exceed 12 months beginning with the day on which the order was first made.

6

The court may, under subsection (4) above, extend an interim compulsion order in the absence of the offender only if—

a

the offender is represented by counsel or a solicitor;

b

that counsel or solicitor is given an opportunity of being heard; and

c

the court is satisfied that it is—

i

impracticable; or

ii

inappropriate,

for the offender to be brought before it.

7

Subsections (1) to (9) of this section shall apply for the purposes of an interim compulsion order extended under subsection (4) above as they apply for the purposes of an interim compulsion order, references in those subsections to the period specified by the court under section 53(8)(b) of this Act being construed as references to the period specified by the court under subsection (4) above.

8

Where a report is submitted under subsection (1) above, the court may, before the expiry of the period specified by the court under section 53(8)(b) of this Act—

a

revoke the interim compulsion order and make one of the disposals mentioned in section 53(6) of this Act; or

b

revoke the interim compulsion order and deal with the offender in any way (other than by making an interim compulsion order) in which the court could have dealt with the offender if no such order had been made.

9

In this section—

• “court” means the court which made the interim compulsion order; and

• “responsible medical officer” means the responsible medical officer appointed in respect of the offender under section 230 of the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 (asp 13).

53CEarly termination of interim compulsion order

1

An interim compulsion order shall cease to have effect if the court—

a

makes a compulsion order in relation to the offender;

b

makes a hospital direction in relation to the offender; or

c

deals with the offender in some other way, including the imposing of a sentence of imprisonment on the offender.

2

In this section, “court” means the court which made the interim compulsion order.

53DPower of court on interim compulsion order ceasing to have effect

1

Where, otherwise than by virtue of section 53B(8) or 53C of this Act, an interim compulsion order ceases to have effect the court may deal with the offender who was subject to the order in any way (other than the making of a new interim compulsion order) in which it could have dealt with the offender if no such order had been made.

2

In this section, “court” means the court which made the interim compulsion order.