131.This section provides for the jury to be warned, if the judge thinks it necessary, that the fact that special measures have been made available to a witness should not prejudice the conclusions they might draw about the defendant. This will be particularly relevant where, for example, intimidated witnesses are screened from the defendant: this should not be taken as justifying a conclusion that the defendant is dangerous.
Commentary on Sections Part II: Giving of evidence or information for purposes of criminal proceedings Chapter I: Special Measures directions in case of vulnerable or intimidated witnesses Section 32: Warning to jury