Explanatory note

These Regulations provide for the form of notice of transfer under section 53 of the Criminal Justice Act 1991. That is the notice which is sent to a magistrates' court before the start of committal proceedings by or on behalf of the Director of Public Prosecutions and which has the effect of transferring the case to the Crown Court. The Regulations require copies of the notice to be sent to the defendant, the Crown Court and the prison governor or other person having custody of the defendant.

The Regulations also provide for a form to be sent to the defendant informing him of the effect of the notice of transfer and seeking his consent to the exercise by the magistrates' court of certain powers in his absence. Copies of this form are required to be sent to the Crown Court and the prison governor or other person having custody of the defendant.