7.4. Where a magistrates' court officer receives a statutory declaration which complies with section 14(1) of the Magistrates' Courts Act 1980(1) (accused did not know of proceedings), he shall—
(a)note the receipt of the declaration in the register; and
(b)inform the prosecutor and, if the prosecutor is not a constable, the chief officer of police of the receipt of the declaration.
[Note. Formerly rule 20 of the Magistrates' Courts Rules 1981. As to the requirement to keep a register, see rule 6.1.]
Section 14(1) was amended by paragraphs 95 and 98 of Schedule 13 to the Access to Justice Act 1999 (c. 22) and paragraph 205 of Schedule 8 to the Courts Act 2003 (c. 39).