http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2002/26/section/32/enactedJustice (Northern Ireland) Act 2002JudiciaryPoliceKing's Printer of Acts of Parliament2021-08-03 Part 2 32 1 Where the Director has the conduct of proceedings in relation to an offence against a person, he may discontinue the proceedings (without the leave of any court) at any time before the person has appeared or been brought before a court in connection with the offence. 2 Where proceedings against a person in relation to an offence are discontinued under subsection (1), the Director must inform— a the person, and b any court before which the person has been required to appear in connection with the offence, that the proceedings have been discontinued. 3 Where proceedings against a person in relation to an offence are discontinued under subsection (1)— a if he is in detention in connection with the offence, he must be released unless his detention is justified otherwise than by reason of the offence, and b if he is subject to a requirement to appear before a court, or attend at a police station, in connection with the offence, the requirement ceases to have effect. 4 The discontinuance under subsection (1) of proceedings against a person in relation to an offence does not prevent the subsequent institution of proceedings against him in relation to the offence (or any other offence).