Part VE+W+S Enforcement, Offences and Proceedings

Offences generallyE+W+S

Valid from 14/01/2003

[F171A Prosecutions: time limitE+W

(1)Despite anything in section 127(1) of the Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980 an information relating to an offence under this Act which is triable by a magistrates’ court in England and Wales may be so tried if it is laid at any time—

(a)within the period of three years starting with the date of the commission of the offence, and

(b)within the period of six months starting with the day on which evidence which the prosecutor thinks is sufficient to justify the proceedings comes to his knowledge.

(2)A certificate by the prosecutor as to the date on which such evidence came to his knowledge is conclusive evidence of that fact.]

Textual Amendments

F1S. 71A inserted (E.W.) (14.1.2003) by 2002 c. 42, s. 14; S.I. 2002/3044, art. 2