(1)Without prejudice to sections 113 and 186(3)(b) of this Act, the High Court may, in relation to—
(a)an appeal under section 106(1), 108 [F1, 108A]or 175(2) to (4) of this Act;
(b)an appeal by way of bill of suspension or advocation; or
(c)a petition to the nobile officium,
at any time before the appeal is finally determined or, as the case may be, petition finally disposed of, order the judge who presided at the trial, passed sentence or otherwise disposed of the case to provide to the Clerk of Justiciary a report in writing giving the judge’s opinion on the case generally or in relation to any particular matter specified in the order.
(2)The Clerk of Justiciary shall send a copy of a report provided under subsection (1) above to the convicted person or his solicitor, the Crown Agent and, in relation to cases referred under [F2Part XA of this Act, the Commission].
(3)Subject to subsection (2) above, the report of the judge shall be available only to the High Court, the parties and, on such conditions as may be prescribed by Act of Adjournal, such other persons or classes of persons as may be so prescribed.
Textual Amendments
F1Words in s. 298(1)(a) inserted (20.10.1997) by 1997 c. 48, s. 62(1), Sch. 1 para. 21(33)(a); S.I. 1997/2323, art. 3, Sch.1
F2Words in s. 298(2) substituted (1.4.1999) by 1998 c. 48, s. 62(1), Sch. 1 para. 21(33)(b); S.I. 1999/652, art. 2, Sch.(subject to savings and transitional provisions in art. 3)