Serious Crime Act 2007

84 Powers for prosecutors to appear in cash recovery proceedings

(1) After section 302 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (c. 29) (recovery of cash in summary proceedings: compensation) insert—

“302A Powers for prosecutors to appear in proceedings

(1) The Director of Public Prosecutions or the Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern Ireland may appear for a constable in proceedings under this Chapter if the Director—

(a) is asked by, or on behalf of, a constable to do so, and

(b) considers it appropriate to do so.

(2) The Director of Revenue and Customs Prosecutions may appear for the Commissioners for Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs or an officer of Revenue and Customs in proceedings under this Chapter if the Director—

(a) is asked by, or on behalf of, the Commissioners for Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs or (as the case may be) an officer of Revenue and Customs to do so, and

(b) considers it appropriate to do so.

(3) The Directors may charge fees for the provision of services under this section.”

(2) After section 2C(3) of that Act (prosecuting authorities) (as inserted by Schedule 8 to this Act) insert—

“(3A) Subsection (3) does not apply to the functions of the Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern Ireland and the Director of Revenue and Customs Prosecutions under section 302A.”

(3) After section 38(1) of the Commissioners for Revenue and Customs Act 2005 (c. 11) (conduct of prosecutions on behalf of the Office) insert—

“(1A) An individual who is not a member of the Office may be appointed by the Director to appear in—

(a) specified proceedings, or

(b) a specified class or description of proceedings,

in which the Director or a Prosecutor would otherwise appear by virtue of section 302A of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (cash recovery proceedings).”

(4) After section 39(1) of that Act (designation of non-legal staff) insert—

“(1A) The Director may designate a member of the Office to appear in—

(a) specified proceedings, or

(b) a specified class or description of proceedings,

in which the Director or a Prosecutor would otherwise appear by virtue of section 302A of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (cash recovery proceedings).”