Paragraph 4 Amendments in connection with section 3I1I2

for the heading substitute “Instituting proceedings by written charge”;

after subsection (2) insert—

“(2AA)

A single justice procedure notice may be issued only if—

(a)

the offence is a summary offence not punishable with imprisonment, and

(b)

the person being charged has attained the age of 18, or is not an individual.”;

after subsection (2B) insert—

“(2C)

Subsection (2D) applies if—

(a)

the offence is specified in regulations under section 16H(3)(a) of the Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980, and

(b)

the relevant prosecutor decides that it would be appropriate for the automatic online conviction option to be offered (see section 16G(1) of the Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980).

(2D)

The single justice procedure notice must also explain—

(a)

the steps that the person on whom the notice is served can take if the person wants to be offered the automatic online conviction option, and

(b)

that if the person is offered, and accepts, that option, the requirements referred to in subsection (2B) will no longer apply.

(2E)

The Lord Chancellor may by order make provision about the matters that are to be taken into account by a relevant prosecutor before deciding as mentioned in subsection (2C)(b).”