297 Release of detained cashU.K.
(1)This section applies while any cash is detained under section 295.
(2)A magistrates’ court or (in Scotland) the sheriff may direct the release of the whole or any part of the cash if the following condition is met.
(3)The condition is that the court or sheriff is satisfied, on an application by the person from whom the cash was seized, that the conditions in section 295 for the detention of the cash are no longer met in relation to the cash to be released.
(4)[F1An officer of Revenue and Customs], constable [F2, SFO officer] [F3or accredited financial investigator] or (in Scotland) procurator fiscal may, after notifying the magistrates’ court, sheriff or justice under whose order cash is being detained, release the whole or any part of it if satisfied that the detention of the cash to be released is no longer justified.
Textual Amendments
F1Words in s. 297(4) substituted (17.7.2013) by Finance Act 2013 (c. 29), Sch. 48 para. 9
F2Words in s. 297(4) inserted (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 31.1.2018 for E.W.S. in so far as not already in force, 28.6.2021 for N.I. in so far as not already in force) by Criminal Finances Act 2017 (c. 22), s. 58(1)(6), Sch. 1 para. 18; S.I. 2018/78, reg. 3(aa); S.I. 2021/724, reg. 3(b)
F3Words in s. 297(4) inserted (6.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), s. 94(1), Sch. 11 para. 9; S.I. 2008/755, art. 17(1)(f)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C1Pt. 5 Ch. 3 applied (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 31.1.2018 for E.W.S. in so far as not already in force, 28.6.2021 for N.I. in so far as not already in force) by 2007 c. 30, s. 24(1) (as substituted by Criminal Finances Act 2017 (c. 22), ss. 21(3), 58(1)(6); S.I. 2018/78, reg. 3(f); S.I. 2021/724, reg. 2(1)(i))