Limitation of time
18Provisions as to time-limits on summary proceedings for indictable offences
(1)Nothing in—
(a)section 104 of the Magistrates' Courts Act 1952 (1imitation of time for trial of information); or
(b)subject to subsection (3) below, any other enactment (however framed or worded) which, as regards any offence to which it applies, would but for this section impose a time-limit on the power of a magistrates' court to try an information summarily or impose a limitation on the time for taking summary proceedings,
shall apply in relation to any indictable offence.
(2)Without prejudice to the generality of paragraph (b) of subsection (1) above, that paragraph includes enactments which impose a time-limit that applies only in certain circumstances (for example, where the proceedings are not instituted by or with the consent of the Director of Public Prosecutions or some other specified authority).
(3)Where, as regards any indictable offence, there is imposed by any enactment (however framed or worded, and whether falling within subsection (1)(b) above or not) a limitation on the time for taking proceedings on indictment for that offence no summary proceedings for that offence shall be taken after the latest time for taking proceedings on indictment.