Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995

275Exceptions to restrictions under section 274

(1)Notwithstanding section 274 of this Act, in any trial of an accused on any charge to which that section applies, where the court is satisfied on an application by the accused—

(a)that the questioning or evidence referred to in subsection (1) of that section is designed to explain or rebut evidence adduced, or to be adduced, otherwise than by or on behalf of the accused;

(b)that the questioning or evidence referred to in paragraph (c) of that subsection—

(i)is questioning or evidence as to sexual behaviour which took place on the same occasion as the sexual behaviour forming the subject matter of the charge; or

(ii)is relevant to the defence of incrimination; or

(c)that it would be contrary to the interests of justice to exclude the questioning or evidence referred to in that subsection,

the court shall allow the questioning or, as the case may be, admit the evidence.

(2)Where questioning or evidence is or has been allowed or admitted under this section, the court may at any time limit as it thinks fit the extent of that questioning or evidence.

(3)Any application under this section shall be made in the course of the trial but in the absence of the jury, the complainer, any person cited as a witness and the public.