20. (1) In any proceedings relating to an offence, where a court is satisfied—

(a) that the nature or circumstances of the case are such that there is a need to protect a victim of the offence from secondary and repeat victimisation, intimidation or retaliation, and

(b) it would not be contrary to the interests of justice in the case,

the court may, on the application of the prosecution, exclude from the court during such proceedings—

(i) the public or any portion of the public, or

(ii) any particular person or persons,

except officers of the court and bona fide representatives of the Press.

(2) Subsection (1) is without prejudice to—

(a) the right of—

(i) a parent, relative or friend of the victim,

(ii) a support worker of the victim’s choice,

(iii) where the accused person is under the age of 18 years, a parent, relative or friend of the accused person, or

(iv) an appropriate person under section 18,

to remain in court, and

(b) the power of a court to exclude the public or any person from the court under any other enactment or rule of law.

(3) 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.