[F2(1)No prosecution for an offence under this Act shall be brought after the expiry of the period of three years beginning with the date of the commission of the offence or one year beginning with the date of its discovery by the prosecutor, whichever is earlier.
(2)In Scotland, the reference in subsection (1) above to the date of discovery by the prosecutor shall be construed as a reference to the date on which evidence sufficient in the opinion of the Lord Advocate to warrant proceedings came to his knowledge.
(3)For the purposes of subsection (2) above—
(a)a certificate signed by the Lord Advocate or on his behalf and stating the date on which evidence came to his knowledge shall be conclusive evidence of that fact;
(b)a certificate purporting to be signed as mentioned in paragraph (a) above shall be presumed to be so signed unless the contrary is proved; and
(c)a prosecution shall be deemed to be brought on the date on which a warrant to apprehend or to cite the accused is granted provided that the warrant is executed without undue delay.]]
Textual Amendments
F1S. 15 substituted (3.2.1995) by 1994 c. 33, s. 168(2), Sch. 10 para. 52(3); S.I. 1995/127, art. 2, Sch. 1
F2Ss. 1-17 repealed and revived (21.1.2010) by Video Recordings Act 2010 (c. 1), ss. 1(1), 2(2) (with Sch. paras. 2(2), 6)