8.— (1) Subject to subsections (2) and (3), in any proceedings for an offence under section 2, 3 or 4, the judge or the court, as the case may be, shall exclude from the court during the hearing all persons except officers of the court, persons directly concerned in the proceedings, bona fide representatives of the Press and such other persons (if any) as the judge or the court, as the case may be, may in his or her or its discretion permit to remain.

F2[(2) Subsection (1) is without prejudice to the right of—

(a) a parent, relative or friend of the girl or woman in respect of whom the offence is alleged to have been committed or, where the accused person is not of full age, of the accused person, or

(b) a support worker chosen by the girl or woman referred to in paragraph (a),

to remain in court.]

(3) In any proceedings to which subsection (1) applies, the verdict or decision and the sentence (if any) shall be announced in public.

F3[(4) In this section, ‘support worker’ means a volunteer of, or an individual employed under a contract of service or under a contract for services by, an organisation which provides support to victims of crime.]