Part VI Magistrates’ Courts
51 Summons to witness and warrant for his arrest.
1
In section 97 of the Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980 (summons to witness and warrant for his arrest) the following subsections shall be inserted after subsection (2A)—
2B
A justice may refuse to issue a summons under subsection (1) above in relation to the summary trial of an information if he is not satisfied that an application for the summons was made by a party to the case as soon as reasonably practicable after the accused pleaded not guilty.
2C
In relation to the summary trial of an information, subsection (2) above shall have effect as if the reference to the matters mentioned in subsection (1) above included a reference to the matter mentioned in subsection (2B) above.
2
This section applies in relation to any proceedings for the purpose of which no summons has been issued under section 97(1), and no warrant has been issued under section 97(2), before the appointed day.
P13
The reference in subsection (2) to the appointed day is to such day as is appointed for the purposes of this section by the Secretary of State by order.