1983 Ed.]
Juvenile Offenders
[CAP. 226
7
(b) in the case of a young person, in a place of detention or a training centre established under the Training Centres Ordinance.
(Replaced, 15 of 1973, s. 7)
(2) A commitment under this section may be varied, or, in the case of a young person who proves to be of so unruly a character that he cannot be safely detained in such custody, or to be of so depraved a character that he is not a fit person to be so detained, revoked by any court, and if it is revoked the young person may be committed to prison.
8. (1) Where a child or young person is brought before a juvenile court for any offence it shall be the duty of the court as soon as possible to explain to him in simple language the substance of the alleged offence.
(2) If the court is satisfied that the child or young person understands the nature of the alleged offence it shall (unless the alleged offence is homicide) ask the child or young person whether he admits the offence.
(3) If the court is not satisfied that the child or young person understands the nature of the alleged offence, or if the child or young person does not admit the offence the court shall then hear the evidence of the witnesses in support of the complaint or information. At the close of the evidence in chief of each such witness, the court shall ask the child or young person, or, if it sees fit, the parent or guardian of the child or young person, whether he wishes to put any questions to the witness. If the child or young person instead of asking questions wishes to make a statement he shall be allowed to do so.
(4) If it appears to the court that a prima facie case is made out, the evidence of any witnesses for the defence shall be heard, and the child or young person shall be allowed to give evidence. (Amended, 34 of 1972, s. 22)
(5) The court may, for the purpose of assisting the child or young person in his defence, put to such child or young person such questions as it may think necessary. (Amended, 34 of 1972, s. 22)
(6) It shall be the duty of the court to put to the witnesses such questions as appear to be necessary in the interests of the child or young person.
(7) Where-
(a) the child or young person admits the offence or the court is satisfied that it is proved; or
(b) the case of a child or young person is remitted to the court under section 3F,
the child or young person shall be asked if he desires to say anything in extenuation or mitigation of the penalty or otherwise. (Replaced, 15 of 1973, s. 8)
(Cap. 280.)
Procedure in juvenile courts.