156 Apprehension of witness.S
(1)Where a witness [F1in a summary prosecution] , having been duly cited, fails to appear at the diet fixed for his attendance and no just excuse is offered by him or on his behalf, the court may, if it is satisfied that he received the citation or that its contents came to his knowledge, issue a warrant for his apprehension.
(2)Where the court is satisfied by evidence on oath that a witness [F1in a summary prosecution] is not likely to attend to give evidence without being compelled so to do, it may issue a warrant for his apprehension.
(3)A warrant of apprehension of a witness [F1in a summary prosecution] in the form mentioned in section 135(1) of this Act shall imply warrant to officers of law to search for and apprehend the witness, and to detain him in a police station, police cell, or other convenient place, until—
(a)the date fixed for the hearing of the case; or
(b)the date when security to the amount fixed under subsection (4) below is found,
whichever is the earlier.
(4)A witness apprehended under a warrant under subsection (1) or (2) above shall, wherever practicable, be brought immediately by the officer of law who executed that warrant before a justice, who shall fix such sum as he considers appropriate as security for the appearance of the witness at all diets.
Textual Amendments
F1Words in s. 156(1)(2)(3) inserted (1.2.2005) by Criminal Procedure (Amendment) (Scotland) Act 2004 (asp 5), ss. 25, 27(1), Sch. para. 34; S.S.I. 2004/405, art. 2, Sch. 1 (with savings in arts. 3-5)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C1S. 156 applied (26.4.2004) by Crime (International Co-operation) Act 2003 (c. 32), ss. 15, 30, 31, 94, Sch. 1 para. 2, Sch. 2 para. 2; S.I. 2004/786, art. 3