(1)If, where the court has considered as required by section 19(1) above, it appears to the court that the offence is more suitable for summary trial, the following provisions of this section shall apply (unless excluded by section 23 below).
(2)The court shall explain to the accused in ordinary language—
(a)that it appears to the court more suitable for him to be tried summarily for the offence, and that he can either consent to be so tried or, if he wishes, be tried by a jury; and
(b)that if he is tried summarily and is convicted by the court, he may be committed for sentence to the Crown Court under [F1section 3 of the Powers of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Act 2000] if the convicting court, [F2is of such opinion as is mentioned in subsection (2) of that section].
(3)After explaining to the accused as provided by subsection (2) above the court shall ask him whether he consents to be tried summarily or wishes to be tried by a jury, and—
(a)if he consents to be tried summarily, shall proceed to the summary trial of the information;
(b)if he does not so consent, shall proceed to inquire into the information as examining justices.
Textual Amendments
F2Words in s. 20(2)(b) substituted (1.10.1992) by Criminal Justice Act 1991 (c. 53, SIF 39:1), ss. 100, 102(2), Sch. 11 para. 25; S.I. 1992/333, art. 2(2), Sch. 2