14.—(1) Where—

(a) a person is accused of F16[a relevant offence], and

(b) a person under F17[18 years] of age is giving, or is to give, evidence through a live television link,

the court may, on the application of the prosecution or the accused, if satisfied that, having regard to the age or mental condition of the witness, the interests of justice require that any questions to be put to the witness be put through an intermediary, direct that any such questions be so put.

F18[(1A) Subject to section 14AA, where—

(a) a person is accused of an offence, other than a relevant offence, and

(b) a victim of the offence who is under 18 years of age, is giving, or is to give, evidence through a live television link,

the court may, on the application of the prosecution or the accused, if satisfied that the interests of justice require that any questions to be put to the victim be put through an intermediary, direct that any such questions be so put.]

(2) Questions put to a witness through an intermediary under this section shall be either in the words used by the questioner or so as to convey to the witness in a way which is appropriate to his age and mental condition the meaning of the questions being asked.

(3) An intermediary referred to in subsection (1) F18[or (1A)] shall be appointed by the court and shall be a person who, in its opinion, is competent to act as such.