(1)A person (“P”) with an interest in anything taken away under section 88(1)(c) by an authorised officer of a local authority (“retained property”) may apply by way of complaint to any magistrates’ court for an order requiring it to be released, either to P or another person.
(2)If, on an application under this section, the court is satisfied that the continued retention of the retained property is not necessary for the purpose of the exercise of the authority’s functions under or by virtue of this Part, it may make an order requiring the release of the retained property.
(3)An order under this section may contain whatever provision the court thinks appropriate for delaying its coming into force pending the making and determination of an appeal (including an application under section 111 of the Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980 (c.43)).
(4)If the court adjourns the hearing of an application under this section, it may make an order in respect of the retained property that lasts until the final hearing of the application or until any further order is made, if it considers it appropriate to do so.
(5)Nothing in this section affects any other power of the court to make an order in respect of the retained property, including any power to make an order under section 1 of the Police (Property) Act 1897 (c.30).