21HEvidence of complainant

21H Evidence of complainant (1) A recorded statement that complies with section 21J: (a) may be played at the hearing of the charge for, or the trial in respect of, the domestic violence offence to which it relates; and

Evidence Act 1939 13 (b) if it is played at the hearing or trial, may be admitted as the complainant's evidence in chief, or part of the complainant's evidence in chief, in the proceeding. (2) However, the court may refuse to admit all or part of the recorded statement if the court considers it is in the interests of justice to do so. (3) A complainant may (but need not) be present in the courtroom when a recorded statement of evidence of the complainant is played in the courtroom. (4) The complainant's demeanour, and words spoken or sounds made by the complainant, during the playing of a recorded statement of evidence of the complainant, are not to be observed or overheard in the courtroom unless the complainant elects to be present in the courtroom for that part of the proceeding.