The Magistrates' Courts (Northern Ireland) Order 1981

Summons to witness in proceedings (other than criminal proceedings) or warrant for arrest N.I.

[F1 118.— (1) Where in any proceedings other than criminal proceedings a magistrates' court is satisfied that any person is able to give material evidence or produce any document or thing before the court, the court may issue a summons directed to that person requiring him to attend before the court at the time and place appointed in the summons to give evidence or to produce the document or thing.

(2) Where a person fails to attend before a magistrates' court in answer to a summons under paragraph (1), if—

(a) the court is satisfied by evidence on oath that he is likely to be able to give material evidence or produce any document or thing likely to be material evidence in the proceedings; and

(b) it is proved on oath or by affidavit or in such other manner as may be prescribed that the summons was duly served on that person or that he is evading service and that he is able to give material evidence; and

(c) no just excuse has been shown for the failure to attend,

the court may issue a warrant to arrest that person and bring him before the court to testify and to produce such documents or things as may be required.

(3) Where a person is arrested on a warrant issued under this Article he shall be brought, as soon as practicable, before a magistrates' court which may, if desirable, discharge that person on his entering a recognizance to appear before that or any other magistrates' court at the time and place specified in the recognizance and, if necessary, to appear at every time and place to which during the proceedings the hearing may be adjourned.]

F1 Art. 118-118E and cross-headings substituted (1.1.2012) for art. 118 and preceding cross-heading by Justice Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 c. 24 (NI), ss. 100(1), 111(3) (with s. 106(4), Sch. 6 para. 8); S.R. 2011/370, art. 3(f)