Article 4 Amendments to the Criminal Procedure Rules 2015

renumber paragraphs (2) and (3) as (3) and (4) respectively, and

after paragraph (1) insert—

“(2)

At the plea and trial preparation hearing the court must―

(a)

satisfy itself that there has been explained to the defendant, in terms the defendant can understand (with help, if necessary), that the defendant will receive credit for a guilty plea;

(b)

take the defendant’s plea or if no plea can be taken then find out whether the defendant is likely to plead guilty or not guilty;

(c)

unless the defendant pleads guilty, satisfy itself that there has been explained to the defendant, in terms the defendant can understand (with help, if necessary), that at the trial―

(i)

the defendant will have the right to give evidence after the court has heard the prosecution case,

(ii)

if the defendant does not attend, the trial may take place in the defendant’s absence,

(iii)

if the trial takes place in the defendant’s absence, the judge may inform the jury of the reason for that absence, and

(iv)

where the defendant is released on bail, failure to attend court when required is an offence for which the defendant may be arrested and punished and bail may be withdrawn; and

(d)

give directions for an effective trial.”;