Sentencing Act 2020

Warrants

24 (1) Sub-paragraph (2) applies where an offender—

(a) is arrested under a warrant issued by virtue of this Schedule, and

(b) cannot immediately be brought before the court before which the warrant directs the offender to be brought (“the relevant court”).

(2) The person in whose custody the offender is—

(a) may arrange for the offender to be detained in a place of safety for a period of not more than 72 hours from the time of the arrest, and

(b) must, within that period, bring the offender before a youth court or, if the offender is aged 18 or over, a magistrates’ court other than a youth court.

(3) In the case of a warrant issued by the Crown Court, section 81(5) of the Senior Courts Act 1981 (duty to bring person before magistrates’ court) does not apply.

(4) A person detained in accordance with arrangements under sub-paragraph (2)(a) is deemed to be lawfully detained.