SCHEDULES

SCHEDULE 6E+WWildlife offences: time limits for proceedings

Conservation of Seals Act 1970 (c. 30)E+W

2E+WIn section 5 (penalties for offences), after subsection (2) insert—

“(3)Proceedings in England and Wales for an offence under this Act may be brought within the period of 6 months beginning with the date on which evidence sufficient in the opinion of the prosecutor to warrant the proceedings came to his knowledge.

(4)But subsection (3) does not authorise the commencement of proceedings for an offence more than 2 years after the date on which the offence was committed.

(5)For the purposes of subsection (3), a certificate signed by or on behalf of the prosecutor and stating the date on which evidence sufficient in his opinion to warrant the proceedings came to his knowledge shall be conclusive evidence of that fact.

(6)A certificate stating that matter and purporting to be so signed shall be deemed to be so signed unless the contrary is proved.”