58.— The Juries Act 1976 is amended by substituting the following for section 25:

“Separation of juries during trial.

25.— (1) In any trial with a jury—

( a) the jurors may, at any time before they retire to consider their verdict, separate unless the judge otherwise directs, and

( b) the jurors may, after they retire to consider their verdict, only separate for such period or periods as the judge directs.

(2) A direction under subsection (1)( b) may be given in respect of a jury whether or not the jury is present when the direction is given.”.