Proposed amendment to sex offences act aims at level playing field

Anil Nandlall

The government yesterday tabled the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill 2012 aimed at according to the accused the same rights as the prosecution with regard to submission of statements and to allow for statements written on behalf of a child to carry a mark made by that child if he or she is unable to sign his or her name.

Clause 4 of the Bill seeks to amend the Schedule of the Principal Act to give the accused the right to lead evidence or submit written statements in every instance where the prosecution has the right to lead