Section 126: Powers of DSP in respect of charge allocated for SCC trial
272.This section gives certain powers to the DSP where a case has been allocated for trial by the SCC. The powers are equivalent to some of those of the DSP under section 125 in relation to charges allocated for Court Martial trial. Accordingly the DSP has powers to amend the charge, substitute another charge, bring an additional charge or discontinue proceedings. Any additional charge must relate to the same case. Any amended, substituted or additional charge is regarded as “allocated for Service Civilian Court trial”, and so remains subject to the DSP’s powers under this section.
273.The DSP also has powers under this section:
to allocate the charge for trial by the Court Martial (e.g. if, on reflection, it is thought to be too serious for SCC trial) and
to give a direction (under section 127) barring further proceedings for an offence to which the case relates.
274.The section also gives a power for the making of SCC rules (by the Secretary of State under section 288) to restrict the exercise by the DSP of his powers under this section once the SCC has decided (under section 279) whether it should try the charge.
