(1)Where a person specified in section 27(1)(b)(i) to (vi) of the M1Social Work (Scotland) Act 1968 commits an offence, the court shall not dispose of the case without obtaining from the local authority in whose area the person resides a report as to—
(a)the circumstances of the offence; and
(b)the character of the offender, including his behaviour while under the supervision, or as the case may be subject to the order, so specified in relation to him.
[F1(1A)However, if there is available to the court a report from a local authority—
(a)of the kind described in subsection (1)(b) above; and
(b)which was prepared in relation to the person not more than 3 months before the person was convicted of the offence,
the court need not obtain another report of that kind before disposing of the case unless it considers, following representations made by or on behalf of the person as to the person's circumstances, that it is appropriate to obtain another report.
(1B)Nothing in subsection (1) or (1A) above requires the court to obtain a report if the court is satisfied, having regard to its likely method of dealing with the case before it for disposal, that the report would not be of any material assistance.]
(2)In subsection (1) above, “the court” does not include a [F2JP court] .
(3)Where, in any case, a report by an officer of a local authority is made to the court with a view to assisting the court in determining the most suitable method of dealing with any person in respect of an offence, a copy of the report shall be given by the clerk of the court to
[F3(a)the offender,
(b)the offender's solicitor (if any), and
(c)the prosecutor.]
Textual Amendments
F1S. 203(1A)(1B) inserted (10.12.2007) by Criminal Proceedings etc. (Reform) (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 6), ss. 24, 84; S.S.I. 2007/479, art. 3(1), Sch. (as amended by S.S.I. 2007/527)
F2Words in s. 203(2) substituted (10.3.2008, 2.6.2008, 8.12.2008, 23.2.2009 and 14.12.2009 for certain purposes, otherwise 22.2.2010) by Criminal Proceedings etc. (Reform) (Scotland) Act 2007 (asp 6), ss. 80, 84, Sch. para. 26(i); S.S.I. 2008/42, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/192, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/329, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2008/362, art. 3, Sch.; S.S.I. 2009/432, art. 3, Schs. 1, 2
F3Words in s. 203(3) substituted (1.2.2011) by Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 13), ss. 20(2), 206(1); S.S.I. 2010/413, art. 2, Sch. (with art. 3)
Marginal Citations