2

1

If the court considers that it has some, but not sufficient, relevant information for the purpose of enabling it to come to a decision as to whether to make a confiscation order or that it does not have sufficient relevant information to enable it to come to a decision as to the amount to be payable under the confiscation order, it may, subject as the case may be to subsection (6) or (10) below, postpone that decision for a period not exceeding 6 months after the date of conviction for the purpose of enabling further information to be obtained.

2

Without prejudice to sections 179 and 219 (or as the case may be sections 380 and 432) of the 1975 Act, the court may notwithstanding postponement under subsection (1) above and subject to subsection (3) below, proceed, on the prosecutor’s motion therefor, to sentence or to otherwise deal with the accused in respect of the conviction.

3

Where the court proceeds as mentioned in subsection (2) above—

a

no fine shall be imposed on the accused; and

b

no order shall be made involving any other payment by him,

in relation to the conviction before the decision whether to make a confiscation order is taken.

4

Where in the case of conviction on indictment a decision has been postponed under subsection (1) above for a period, any intention to appeal under section 228 of the 1975 Act against conviction or against both conviction and any sentence passed during that period in respect of the conviction, shall be intimated under section 231(1) of the 1975 Act not within 2 weeks of the final determination of the proceedings but within 2 weeks of—

a

in the case of an appeal against conviction where there has been no such sentence, the day on which the period of postponement commences;

b

in any other case, the day on which such sentence is passed in open court.

5

Notwithstanding any appeal of which intimation has been given by virtue of subsection (4) above, a person may appeal under section 228 of the 1975 Act against the confiscation order (if the decision is to make one) or against any other sentence passed, after the period of postponement, in respect of the conviction.

6

If during the period of postponement intimation is given by virtue of subsection (4) above by the person, the High Court may, on the application of the prosecutor, extend that period to a date up to 3 months after the date of disposal of the appeal.

7

This subsection applies where in the case of summary conviction a decision has been postponed under subsection (1) above for a period.

8

Where subsection (7) above applies and the offender appeals under section 442 of the 1975 Act against conviction or against both conviction and any sentence passed during the period of postponement—

a

his application for a stated case shall be made not within one week of the final determination of the proceedings but within one week of the day mentioned in paragraph (a) or (b) of subsection (4) above;

b

his draft stated case shall be prepared and issued not within 3 weeks of the final determination of the proceedings but within 3 weeks of the said day.

9

Where subsection (7) above applies, then, notwithstanding any appeal against conviction or sentence or both the offender may appeal under section 442(1)(a)(ii), and the prosecutor may appeal under section 442(1)(b)(ii), of the 1975 Act against any confiscation order or against any other sentence passed, after the period of postponement, in respect of the conviction.

10

Where subsection (7) above applies, then, if during the period of postponement the offender applies for a stated case or lodges a note of appeal, the High Court may, on the application of the prosecutor, extend the period of postponement to a date up to 3 months after the date of disposal of the appeal.