49 Reference or remit to children’s hearing.S
(1)Where a child who is not subject to a supervision requirement pleads guilty to, or is found guilty of, an offence the court—
(a)instead of making an order on that plea or finding, may remit the case to the Principal Reporter to arrange for the disposal of the case by a children’s hearing; or
(b)on that plea or finding may request the Principal Reporter to arrange a children’s hearing for the purposes of obtaining their advice as to the treatment of the child.
(2)Where a court has acted in pursuance of paragraph (b) of subsection (1) above, the court, after consideration of the advice received from the children’s hearing may, as it thinks proper, itself dispose of the case or remit the case as mentioned in paragraph (a) of that subsection.
(3)Where a child who is subject to a supervision requirement pleads guilty to, or is found guilty of, an offence the court dealing with the case if it is—
(a)the High Court, may; and
(b)the sheriff [F1JP court] , shall,
request the Principal Reporter to arrange a children’s hearing for the purpose of obtaining their advice as to the treatment of the child, and on consideration of that advice may, as it thinks proper, itself dispose of the case or remit the case as mentioned in subsection (1)(a) above [F2except that where [F3section 51A of the Firearms Act 1968 or section 29 of the Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 applies] it shall itself dispose of the case] .
(4)[F4Subject to any appeal against any decision to remit made under subsection (1)(a) above or (7)(b) below,] where a court has remitted a case to the Principal Reporter under this section, the jurisdiction of the court in respect of the child shall cease, and his case shall stand referred to a children’s hearing.
(5)Nothing in this section shall apply to a case in respect of an offence the sentence for which is fixed by law.
(6)Where a person who is—
(a)not subject to a supervision requirement;
(b)over the age of 16; and
(c)not within six months of attaining the age of 18,
is charged summarily with an offence and pleads guilty to, or has been found guilty of, the offence the court may request the Principal Reporter to arrange a children’s hearing for the purpose of obtaining their advice as to the treatment of the person.
(7)On consideration of any advice obtained under subsection (6) above, the court may, as it thinks proper—
(a)itself dispose of the case; or
(b)where the hearing have so advised, remit the case to the Principal Reporter for the disposal of the case by a children’s hearing.
Textual Amendments
F1Words in s. 49(3)(b) 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(d); 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
F2Words in s. 49(3) inserted (22.1.2004) by Criminal Justice Act 2003 (c. 44), ss. 290(2), 336; S.I. 2004/81, art. 3(2)(b)
F3Words in s. 49(3) substituted (6.4.2007) by Violent Crime Reduction Act 2006 (c. 38), ss. 49, 66(2), Sch. 1 para. 4(2); S.I. 2007/858, art. 2(g)
F4Words in s. 49(4) inserted (1.8.1997) by 1997 c. 48, s. 23(a); S.I. 1997/1712, art. 3, Sch. (subject to arts. 4, 5)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C1S. 49(3): power to amend conferred (22.1.2004) by Criminal Justice Act 2003 (c. 44), ss. 291(1)(c), 336; S.I. 2004/81, art. 3(2)(b)