(1)Subject to subsections (2) and (4) below, where a person is convicted of an offence the court, instead of or in addition to dealing with him in any other way, may make an order (in this Part of this Act referred to as “a compensation order”) requiring him to pay compensation for any personal injury, loss or damage caused, whether directly or indirectly, by the acts which constituted the offence.
(2)It shall not be competent for a court to make a compensation order—
(a)where, under section 246(2) of this Act, it makes an order discharging him absolutely;
(b)where, under section 228 of this Act, it makes a probation order; or
(c)at the same time as, under section 202 of this Act, it defers sentence.
(3)Where, in the case of an offence involving dishonest appropriation, or the unlawful taking and using of property or a contravention of section 178(1) of the M1Road Traffic Act 1988 (taking motor vehicle without authority etc.) the property is recovered, but has been damaged while out of the owner’s possession, that damage, however and by whomsoever it was in fact caused, shall be treated for the purposes of subsection (1) above as having been caused by the acts which constituted the offence.
(4)No compensation order shall be made in respect of—
(a)loss suffered in consequence of the death of any person; or
(b)injury, loss or damage due to an accident arising out of the presence of a motor vehicle on a road, except such damage as is treated, by virtue of subsection (3) above, as having been caused by the convicted person’s acts.
(5)In determining whether to make a compensation order against any person, and in determining the amount to be paid by any person under such order, the court shall take into consideration his means so far as known to the court.
(6)For the purposes of subsection (5) above, in assessing the means of a person who is serving, or is to serve, a period of imprisonment or detention, no account shall be taken of earnings contingent upon his obtaining employment after release.
(7)In solemn proceedings there shall be no limit on the amount which may be awarded under a compensation order.
(8)In summary proceedings—
(a)a sheriff, or a stipendiary magistrate appointed under section 5 of the M2District Courts (Scotland) Act 1975, shall have power to make a compensation order awarding in respect of each offence an amount not exceeding the prescribed sum;
(b)a judge of a district court (other than such stipendiary magistrate) shall have power to make a compensation order awarding in respect of each offence an amount not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale.
(9)Payment of any amount under a compensation order shall be made to the clerk of the court who shall account for the amount to the person entitled thereto.
(10)Only the court shall have power to enforce a compensation order.