279.This section prevents the DSP from taking certain actions where an accused has elected Court Martial trial, without the written consent of the accused. The section prevents an accused finding himself facing a charge of a type which the CO could not have heard (which will often be a more serious charge) as a result of his decision to be tried by the Court Martial.
280.The section also prevents an accused electing to be tried by the Court Martial in respect of a charge which he previously consented to the DSP referring back to the CO for a summary hearing following a previous election.