Proceeds of Crime Act 2002

2002 CHAPTER 29

An Act to establish the Assets Recovery Agency and make provision about the appointment of its Director and his functions (including Revenue functions), to provide for confiscation orders in relation to persons who benefit from criminal conduct and for restraint orders to prohibit dealing with property, to allow the recovery of property which is or represents property obtained through unlawful conduct or which is intended to be used in unlawful conduct, to make provision about money laundering, to make provision about investigations relating to benefit from criminal conduct or to property which is or represents property obtained through unlawful conduct or to money laundering, to make provision to give effect to overseas requests and orders made where property is found or believed to be obtained through criminal conduct, and for connected purposes.

[24th July 2002]

B e it enacted by the Queen’s most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:—

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 Act modified (21.2.2009) by Banking Act 2009 (Parts 2 and 3 Consequential Amendments) Order 2009 (S.I. 2009/317), arts. 1, 3, Sch.

C2 Act applied (with modifications) (8.2.2011) by The Investment Bank Special Administration Regulations 2011 (S.I. 2011/245), reg. 1, Sch. 6 Pt. 1 (with reg. 27(a))

C3 Act applied (with modifications) (10.5.2021) by The West Yorkshire Combined Authority (Election of Mayor and Functions) Order 2021 (S.I. 2021/112), arts. 1(4), 35(1)(2), Sch. 5 para. 12

C4 Act applied (with modifications) (8.7.2021) by The Payment and Electronic Money Institution Insolvency Regulations 2021 (S.I. 2021/716), reg. 2, Sch. 3 paras. 2, 3 (with reg. 5) (as amended (4.1.2024) by S.I. 2023/1399, regs. 1(2), 4, 21(4))

C5 Act applied (with modifications) (E.W.) (21.3.2024) by The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (Election of Mayor and Transfer of Police and Crime Commissioner Functions) Order 2024 (S.I. 2024/414), arts. 1(2), 5, Sch. 1 para. 11

Part 1 U.K. [F1 Introductory]

Textual Amendments

F1 Pt. 1 heading substituted (1.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), s. 94(1), Sch. 8 para. 122; S.I. 2008/755, art. 2(1)(a) (with arts. 3-14)

F2 1 The Agency and its Director U.K.

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Textual Amendments

F2 S. 1 repealed (1.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), s. 94(1), Sch. 8 para. 123, Sch. 14; S.I. 2008/755, art. 2(1)(a)(d) (with arts. 3-14)

F3 2 Director’s functions: general U.K.

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Textual Amendments

F3 S. 2 repealed (1.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), s. 94(1), Sch. 8 para. 123, Sch. 14; S.I. 2008/755, art. 2(1)(a)(d) (with arts. 3-14)

[F4 2A Contribution to the reduction of crime U.K.

(1) A relevant authority must exercise its functions under this Act in the way which it considers is best calculated to contribute to the reduction of crime.

(2) In this section “a relevant authority” means—

(a) [F5 the National Crime Agency],

(b) the Director of Public Prosecutions,

(c) the Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern Ireland,

F6 (d) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F7 ...

(e) the Director of the Serious Fraud Office.

[F8 (f) Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs, or

(g) the Financial Conduct Authority.]

(3) In considering under subsection (1) the way which is best calculated to contribute to the reduction of crime a relevant authority must have regard to any guidance given to it by—

(a) in the case of [F9 the National Crime Agency], the Secretary of State,

(b) in the case of the Director of Public Prosecutions F10 ... or the Director of the Serious Fraud Office, the Attorney General, F11 ...

(c) in the case of the Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern Ireland, the Advocate General for Northern Ireland [F12 , and

(d) in the case of Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs or the Financial Conduct Authority, the Treasury.]

(4) The guidance must indicate that the reduction of crime is in general best secured by means of criminal investigations and criminal proceedings.

(5) The reference in this section to the Advocate General for Northern Ireland is to be read, before the coming into force of section 27(1) of the Justice (Northern Ireland) Act 2002 (c. 26), as a reference to the Attorney General for Northern Ireland.

Textual Amendments

F4 Ss. 2A-2C inserted (1.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), s. 94(1), Sch. 8 para. 124; S.I. 2008/755, art. 2(1)(a) (with arts. 3-14)

F5 Words in s. 2A(2)(a) substituted (7.10.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 8 para. 109; S.I. 2013/1682, art. 3(v)

F6 S. 2A(2)(d) omitted (27.3.2014) by virtue of The Public Bodies (Merger of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Director of Revenue and Customs Prosecutions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/834), art. 1(1), Sch. 2 para. 20(2)

F7 Word in s. 2A(2) omitted (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 31.1.2018 for E.W.S. in so far as not already in force, 28.6.2021 for N.I. in so far as not already in force) by virtue of Criminal Finances Act 2017 (c. 22), s. 58(5)(6), Sch. 5 para. 18(2)(a); S.I. 2018/78, reg. 5(1)(e); S.I. 2021/724, reg. 4(e)

F8 S. 2A(2)(f)(g) inserted (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 31.1.2018 for E.W.S. in so far as not already in force, 28.6.2021 for N.I. in so far as not already in force) by Criminal Finances Act 2017 (c. 22), s. 58(5)(6), Sch. 5 para. 18(2)(b); S.I. 2018/78, reg. 5(1)(e); S.I. 2021/724, reg. 4(e)

F9 Words in s. 2A(3)(a) substituted (7.10.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 8 para. 109; S.I. 2013/1682, art. 3(v)

F10 Words in s. 2A(3)(b) omitted (27.3.2014) by virtue of The Public Bodies (Merger of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Director of Revenue and Customs Prosecutions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/834), art. 1(1), Sch. 2 para. 20(3)

F11 Word in s. 2A(3)(b) omitted (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 31.1.2018 for E.W.S. in so far as not already in force, 28.6.2021 for N.I. in so far as not already in force) by virtue of Criminal Finances Act 2017 (c. 22), s. 58(5)(6), Sch. 5 para. 18(3)(a); S.I. 2018/78, reg. 5(1)(e); S.I. 2021/724, reg. 4(e)

F12 S. 2A(3)(d) and word inserted (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 31.1.2018 for E.W.S. in so far as not already in force, 28.6.2021 for N.I. in so far as not already in force) by Criminal Finances Act 2017 (c. 22), s. 58(5)(6), Sch. 5 para. 18(3)(b); S.I. 2018/78, reg. 5(1)(e); S.I. 2021/724, reg. 4(e)

2B [F13 The National Crime Agency and its officers] U.K.

F14 (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(2) Anything which [F15 the National Crime Agency] is authorised or required to do under this Act (whether directly or through its staff) may be done by a person providing services under arrangements made by [F16 that Agency] if the person is authorised by [F16 that Agency] (whether generally or specifically) for that purpose.

F17 (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F4 Ss. 2A-2C inserted (1.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), s. 94(1), Sch. 8 para. 124; S.I. 2008/755, art. 2(1)(a) (with arts. 3-14)

F13 S. 2B title substituted (7.10.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 8 para. 110(2); S.I. 2013/1682, art. 3(v)

F14 S. 2B(1) omitted (7.10.2013) by virtue of Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 8 para. 110(3); S.I. 2013/1682, art. 3(v)

F15 Words in s. 2B(2) substituted (7.10.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 8 para. 110(4)(a); S.I. 2013/1682, art. 3(v)

F16 Words in s. 2B(2) substituted (7.10.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 8 para. 110(4)(b); S.I. 2013/1682, art. 3(v)

F17 S. 2B(3) omitted (7.10.2013) by virtue of Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 8 para. 110(5); S.I. 2013/1682, art. 3(v)

2C Prosecuting authorities U.K.

(1) Anything which the Director of Public Prosecutions is authorised or required to do under, or in relation to, Part 5 or 8 of this Act may be done by a member of his staff if the member of staff is authorised by the Director (generally or specifically) for that purpose.

(2) Anything which F18 ... the Director of the Serious Fraud Office is authorised or required to do under, or in relation to, Part [F19 2, 4,] 5, [F20 7] or 8 of this Act may be done by a member of his staff if the member of staff is authorised by the Director F21 ... (generally or specifically) for that purpose.

(3) Anything which a relevant Director or a member of his staff is authorised or required to do under, or in relation to, Part [F22 2, 4,] 5 or 8 of this Act may be done by a person providing services under arrangements made by the relevant Director if the person is authorised by the relevant Director (whether generally or specifically) for that purpose.

[F23 (3A) Subsection (3) does not apply to the functions of the Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern Ireland F24 ... under section 302A] [F25 , 303X [F26 , 303Z19, 303Z53 or 303Z65]].

(4) In this section “relevant Director” means—

(a) the Director of Public Prosecutions,

(b) the Director of Public Prosecutions for Northern Ireland,

F27 (c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(d) the Director of the Serious Fraud Office.]

Textual Amendments

F4 Ss. 2A-2C inserted (1.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), s. 94(1), Sch. 8 para. 124; S.I. 2008/755, art. 2(1)(a) (with arts. 3-14)

F18 Words in s. 2C(2) omitted (27.3.2014) by virtue of The Public Bodies (Merger of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Director of Revenue and Customs Prosecutions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/834), art. 1(1), Sch. 2 para. 21(2)(a)

F19 Words in s. 2C(2) inserted (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 31.1.2018 for E.W.S. for specified purposes, 28.6.2021 for N.I. in so far as not already in force) by Criminal Finances Act 2017 (c. 22), s. 58(1)(6), Sch. 1 para. 2(2); S.I. 2018/78, reg. 3(z); S.I. 2021/724, reg. 3(a)

F20 Word in s. 2C(2) inserted (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 31.1.2018 for E.W.S. in so far as not already in force, 28.6.2021 for N.I. in so far as not already in force) by Criminal Finances Act 2017 (c. 22), s. 58(5)(6), Sch. 5 para. 19(2); S.I. 2018/78, reg. 5(1)(d); S.I. 2021/724, reg. 4(e)

F21 Word in s. 2C(2) omitted (27.3.2014) by virtue of The Public Bodies (Merger of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Director of Revenue and Customs Prosecutions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/834), art. 1(1), Sch. 2 para. 21(2)(b)

F22 Words in s. 2C(3) inserted (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 31.1.2018 for E.W.S. for specified purposes, 28.6.2021 for N.I. in so far as not already in force) by Criminal Finances Act 2017 (c. 22), s. 58(1)(6), Sch. 1 para. 2(3); S.I. 2018/78, reg. 3(z); S.I. 2021/724, reg. 3(a)

F23 S. 2C(3A) inserted (6.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), ss. 84(2), 94(1); S.I. 2008/755, art. 17(1)(h)

F24 Words in s. 2C(3A) omitted (27.3.2014) by virtue of The Public Bodies (Merger of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Director of Revenue and Customs Prosecutions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/834), art. 1(1), Sch. 2 para. 21(3)

F25 Words in s. 2C(3A) inserted (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 28.6.2021 for N.I. in so far as not already in force) by Criminal Finances Act 2017 (c. 22), s. 58(5)(6), Sch. 5 para. 19(3); S.I. 2021/724, reg. 4(e)

F26 Words in s. 2C(3A) substituted (26.10.2023 for specified purposes, 26.4.2024 for S. for specified purposes, 26.4.2024 for E.W.N.I. in so far as not already in force, 7.11.2024 for S. in so far as not already in force) by Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (c. 56), s. 219(1)(2)(b), Sch. 9 para. 2; S.I. 2024/269, reg. 4(b)(i)(ii); S.I. 2024/1108, reg. 2

F27 S. 2C(4)(c) omitted (27.3.2014) by virtue of The Public Bodies (Merger of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Director of Revenue and Customs Prosecutions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/834), art. 1(1), Sch. 2 para. 21(4)

3 Accreditation and training U.K.

(1) The [F28 National Crime Agency] must [F29 provide] a system for the accreditation of financial investigators.

(2) The system of accreditation must include provision for—

(a) the monitoring of the performance of accredited financial investigators, and

(b) the withdrawal of accreditation from any person who contravenes or fails to comply with any condition subject to which he was accredited [F30 , and

(c) securing that decisions under that system which concern—

(i) the grant or withdrawal of accreditations, or

(ii) the monitoring of the performance of accredited financial investigators,

are taken without regard to their effect on operations by the National Crime Agency or any other person].

(3) A person may be accredited—

(a) in relation to this Act;

(b) in relation to particular provisions of this Act.

(4) But the accreditation may be limited to specified purposes.

(5) A reference in this Act to an accredited financial investigator is to be construed accordingly.

F31 (6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(7) The [F32 National Crime Agency] must make provision for the training of persons in—

(a) financial investigation, and

(b) the operation of this Act.

F33 (8) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F28 Words in s. 3(1) substituted (7.10.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 8 para. 111(2); S.I. 2013/1682, art. 3(v)

F29 Word in s. 3(1) substituted (1.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), s. 94(1), Sch. 8 para. 120(2)(b); S.I. 2008/755, art. 2(1)(a) (with arts. 3-14)

F30 S. 3(2)(c) and word inserted (7.10.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 8 para. 111(3); S.I. 2013/1682, art. 3(v)

F31 S. 3(6) repealed (1.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), s. 94(1), Sch. 8 para. 120(3), Sch. 14; S.I. 2008/755, art. 2(1)(a)(d) (with arts. 3-14)

F32 Words in s. 3(7) substituted (7.10.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 8 para. 111(4); S.I. 2013/1682, art. 3(v)

F33 S. 3(8) repealed (1.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), s. 94(1), Sch. 8 para. 120(5), Sch. 14; S.I. 2008/755, art. 2(1)(a)(d) (with arts. 3-14)

F34 4 Co-operation U.K.

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Textual Amendments

F34 S. 4 repealed (1.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), s. 94(1), Sch. 8 para. 125, Sch. 14; S.I. 2008/755, art. 2(1)(a)(d) (with arts. 3-14)

F35 5 Advice and assistance U.K.

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Textual Amendments

F35 S. 5 repealed (1.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), s. 94(1), Sch. 8 para. 125, Sch. 14; S.I. 2008/755, art. 2(1)(a)(d) (with arts. 3-14)

Part 2 E+W Confiscation: England and Wales

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C6 Pt. 2 applied by Terrorism Act 2000 (c. 11), Sch. 8 paras. 8(5A), 34(3A) (as substituted (24.3.2003) by Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (c. 29), s. 458(1), Sch. 11 para. 39(2)(5); S.S.I. 2003/210, art. 2(1)(b)(2), sch. (with art. 7); S.I. 2003/333, art. 2, Sch.)

C7 Pt. 2 applied by Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (c. 60), ss. 56(5B), 58(8B) (as substituted (24.3.2003) by Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (c. 29), s. 458(1), Sch. 11 para. 14(2)(3); S.I. 2003/333, art. 2, Sch.)

C8 Pt. 2: power to amend conferred (1.7.2005) by Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (c. 15), ss. 97(3), 178(8); S.I. 2005/1521, art. 3(1)(a)

C9 Pt. 2 applied (with modifications) (3.12.2014) by The Criminal Justice and Data Protection (Protocol No. 36) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/3141), regs. 1(b), 15(5)

C10 Pt. 2 applied (with modifications) (3.12.2014) by The Criminal Justice and Data Protection (Protocol No. 36) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/3141), regs. 1(b), 10(5)

C11 Pt. 2: power to modify conferred (20.3.2015) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), ss. 47, 61(2); S.I. 2015/813, art. 2(b)

C12 Pt. 2 applied (with modifications) (1.6.2015) by The Restraint Orders (Legal Aid Exception and Relevant Legal Aid Payments) Regulations 2015 (S.I. 2015/868), regs. 1, 5 (with reg. 4)

C13 Pt. 2 applied (12.2.2019 for specified purposes, 13.8.2020 in so far as not already in force) by Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019 (c. 3), s. 27(1)(g), Sch. 3 para. 33(5) (with s. 25(9)); S.I. 2020/792, reg. 2(g)

C14 Pt. 2 applied (20.12.2023) by National Security Act 2023 (c. 32), s. 100(1), Sch. 6 para. 8(5) (with s. 97); S.I. 2023/1272, reg. 2(a)

C15 Pt. 2 applied (20.12.2023) by National Security Act 2023 (c. 32), s. 100(1), Sch. 6 para. 9(5) (with s. 97); S.I. 2023/1272, reg. 2(a)

C16 Pt. 2 applied (20.12.2023) by National Security Act 2023 (c. 32), s. 100(1), Sch. 6 para. 42(4) (with s. 97); S.I. 2023/1272, reg. 2(a)

Confiscation orders E+W

6 Making of order E+W

(1) The Crown Court must proceed under this section if the following two conditions are satisfied.

(2) The first condition is that a defendant falls within any of the following paragraphs—

(a) he is convicted of an offence or offences in proceedings before the Crown Court;

(b) he is committed to the Crown Court for sentence in respect of an offence or offences under [F36 section 3, 4 or 6] [F37 [F36 section 3, 3A, 3B, 3C, 4, 4A or 6] of the Sentencing Act] [F37 any provision of sections 14 to 20 of the Sentencing Code];

(c) he is committed to the Crown Court in respect of an offence or offences under section 70 below (committal with a view to a confiscation order being considered).

(3) The second condition is that—

(a) the prosecutor F38 ... asks the court to proceed under this section, or

(b) the court believes it is appropriate for it to do so.

(4) The court must proceed as follows—

(a) it must decide whether the defendant has a criminal lifestyle;

(b) if it decides that he has a criminal lifestyle it must decide whether he has benefited from his general criminal conduct;

(c) if it decides that he does not have a criminal lifestyle it must decide whether he has benefited from his particular criminal conduct.

(5) If the court decides under subsection (4)(b) or (c) that the defendant has benefited from the conduct referred to it must—

(a) decide the recoverable amount, and

(b) make an order (a confiscation order) requiring him to pay that amount.

[F39 Paragraph (b) applies only if, or to the extent that, it would not be disproportionate to require the defendant to pay the recoverable amount.]

(6) But the court must treat the duty in subsection (5) as a power if it believes that any victim of the conduct has at any time started or intends to start proceedings against the defendant in respect of loss, injury or damage sustained in connection with the conduct.

[F40 (6A) The court must also treat the duty in subsection (5) as a power if—

(a) an order has been made, or it believes an order may be made, against the defendant under section 4 (criminal unlawful profit orders) of the Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act 2013 in respect of profit made by the defendant in connection with the conduct, or

(b) it believes that a person has at any time started or intends to start proceedings against the defendant under section 5 (civil unlawful profit orders) of that Act in respect of such profit.]

(7) The court must decide any question arising under subsection (4) or (5) on a balance of probabilities.

(8) The first condition is not satisfied if the defendant absconds (but section 27 may apply).

(9) References in this Part to the offence (or offences) concerned are to the offence (or offences) mentioned in subsection (2).

Textual Amendments

F36 Words in s. 6(2)(b) substituted (18.6.2012 for specified purposes, 5.11.2012 for specified purposes, 28.5.2013 for specified purposes) by Criminal Justice Act 2003 (c. 44), s. 336(3)(4), Sch. 3 para. 75(2); S.I. 2012/1320, art. 4(1)(c)(2)(3) (with art. 5) (see S.I. 2012/2574, art. 4(2) and S.I. 2013/1103, art. 4); S.I. 2012/2574, art. 2(2)(3)(c), Sch. (with arts. 3, 4) (as amended (4.11.2012) by S.I. 2012/2761, art. 2) (with S.I. 2013/1103, art. 4); S.I. 2013/1103, art. 2(1)(c)(2)(3) (with arts. 3, 4)

F37 Words in s. 6(2)(b) substituted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 181 (with Sch. 24 para. 447, Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2

F38 Words in s. 6(3)(a) repealed (1.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), s. 94(1), Sch. 8 para. 2, Sch. 14; S.I. 2008/755, art. 2(1)(a)(d) (with arts. 3-14)

F39 Words in s. 6(5) inserted (1.6.2015) by Serious Crime Act 2015 (c. 9), s. 88(1), Sch. 4 para. 19; S.I. 2015/820, reg. 3(q)(iii)

F40 S. 6(6A) inserted (15.10.2013 for E., 5.11.2013 for W.) by Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act 2013 (c. 3), s. 12, Sch. para. 12; S.I. 2013/2622, art. 2; S.I. 2013/2861, art. 2

Commencement Information

I1 S. 6 in force at 24.3.2003 by S.I. 2003/333, art. 2, Sch. (with arts. 3(1), 7, 10-13) (as amended (6.3.2003) by S.I. 2003/531, art. 3)

7 Recoverable amount E+W

(1) The recoverable amount for the purposes of section 6 is an amount equal to the defendant’s benefit from the conduct concerned.

(2) But if the defendant shows that the available amount is less than that benefit the recoverable amount is—

(a) the available amount, or

(b) a nominal amount, if the available amount is nil.

(3) But if section 6(6) [F41 or 6(6A)] applies the recoverable amount is such amount as—

(a) the court believes is just, but

(b) does not exceed the amount found under subsection (1) or (2) (as the case may be).

(4) In calculating the defendant’s benefit from the conduct concerned for the purposes of subsection (1), [F42 the following must be ignored—

(a) any property in respect of which a recovery order is in force under section 266,

(b) any property which has been forfeited in pursuance of a forfeiture notice under section 297A [F43 or an account forfeiture notice under section 303Z9], F44 ...

(c) any property in respect of which a forfeiture order is in force under section 298(2)][F45 , 303O(3), 303R(3) [F46 , 303Z14(4), 303Z41(4), 303Z45(3) or 303Z60(4)]] [F47 , and

(d) any property which is the forfeitable property in relation to an order under section 303Q(1) [F48 or 303Z44(1)].]

(5) If the court decides the available amount, it must include in the confiscation order a statement of its findings as to the matters relevant for deciding that amount.

Textual Amendments

F41 Words in s. 7(3) inserted (15.10.2013 for E., 5.11.2013 for W.) by Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act 2013 (c. 3), s. 12, Sch. para. 13; S.I. 2013/2622, art. 2; S.I. 2013/2861, art. 2

F42 Words in s. 7(4) substituted (1.6.2015) by Policing and Crime Act 2009 (c. 26), s. 116(1), Sch. 7 para. 100; S.I. 2015/983, arts. 2(2)(e), 3(ff)

F43 Words in s. 7(4)(b) inserted (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 31.1.2018 for specified purposes, 16.4.2018 in so far as not already in force) by Criminal Finances Act 2017 (c. 22), s. 58(5)(6), Sch. 5 para. 20(a); S.I. 2018/78, reg. 5(3)(b)(i)(ii)

F44 Word in s. 7(4)(b) omitted (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 16.4.2018 in so far as not already in force) by virtue of Criminal Finances Act 2017 (c. 22), s. 58(5)(6), Sch. 5 para. 20(b); S.I. 2018/78, reg. 5(3)(c)

F45 Words in s. 7(4)(c) inserted (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 31.1.2018 for specified purposes, 16.4.2018 in so far as not already in force) by Criminal Finances Act 2017 (c. 22), s. 58(5)(6), Sch. 5 para. 20(c); S.I. 2018/78, reg. 5(3)(b)(i)(ii)

F46 Words in s. 7(4)(c) substituted (26.10.2023 for specified purposes, 26.4.2024 for S. for specified purposes, 26.4.2024 for E.W.N.I. in so far as not already in force, 7.11.2024 for S. in so far as not already in force) by Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (c. 56), s. 219(1)(2)(b), Sch. 9 para. 3(2)(a); S.I. 2024/269, reg. 4(b)(i)(ii); S.I. 2024/1108, reg. 2

F47 S. 7(4)(d) and word inserted (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 31.1.2018 for specified purposes, 16.4.2018 in so far as not already in force) by Criminal Finances Act 2017 (c. 22), s. 58(5)(6), Sch. 5 para. 20(d); S.I. 2018/78, reg. 5(3)(b)(i)(ii)

F48 Words in s. 7(4)(d) inserted (26.10.2023 for specified purposes, 26.4.2024 for S. for specified purposes, 26.4.2024 for E.W.N.I. in so far as not already in force, 7.11.2024 for S. in so far as not already in force) by Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (c. 56), s. 219(1)(2)(b), Sch. 9 para. 3(2)(b); S.I. 2024/269, reg. 4(b)(i)(ii); S.I. 2024/1108, reg. 2

Commencement Information

I2 S. 7 in force at 24.3.2003 by S.I. 2003/333, art. 2, Sch.

8 Defendant’s benefit E+W

(1) If the court is proceeding under section 6 this section applies for the purpose of—

(a) deciding whether the defendant has benefited from conduct, and

(b) deciding his benefit from the conduct.

(2) The court must—

(a) take account of conduct occurring up to the time it makes its decision;

(b) take account of property obtained up to that time.

(3) Subsection (4) applies if—

(a) the conduct concerned is general criminal conduct,

(b) a confiscation order mentioned in subsection (5) has at an earlier time been made against the defendant, and

(c) his benefit for the purposes of that order was benefit from his general criminal conduct.

(4) His benefit found at the time the last confiscation order mentioned in subsection (3)(c) was made against him must be taken for the purposes of this section to be his benefit from his general criminal conduct at that time.

(5) If the conduct concerned is general criminal conduct the court must deduct the aggregate of the following amounts—

(a) the amount ordered to be paid under each confiscation order previously made against the defendant;

(b) the amount ordered to be paid under each confiscation order previously made against him under any of the provisions listed in subsection (7).

(6) But subsection (5) does not apply to an amount which has been taken into account for the purposes of a deduction under that subsection on any earlier occasion.

(7) These are the provisions—

(a) the Drug Trafficking Offences Act 1986 (c. 32);

(b) Part 1 of the Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 1987 (c. 41);

(c) Part 6 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 (c. 33);

(d) the Criminal Justice (Confiscation) (Northern Ireland) Order 1990 (S.I. 1990/2588 (N.I. 17));

(e) Part 1 of the Drug Trafficking Act 1994 (c. 37);

(f) Part 1 of the Proceeds of Crime (Scotland) Act 1995 (c. 43);

(g) the Proceeds of Crime (Northern Ireland) Order 1996 (S.I. 1996/1299 (N.I. 9));

(h) Part 3 or 4 of this Act.

(8) The reference to general criminal conduct in the case of a confiscation order made under any of the provisions listed in subsection (7) is a reference to conduct in respect of which a court is required or entitled to make one or more assumptions for the purpose of assessing a person’s benefit from the conduct.

Commencement Information

I3 S. 8 in force at 24.3.2003 by S.I. 2003/333, art. 2, Sch.

9 Available amount E+W

(1) For the purposes of deciding the recoverable amount, the available amount is the aggregate of—

(a) the total of the values (at the time the confiscation order is made) of all the free property then held by the defendant minus the total amount payable in pursuance of obligations which then have priority, and

(b) the total of the values (at that time) of all tainted gifts.

(2) An obligation has priority if it is an obligation of the defendant—

(a) to pay an amount due in respect of a fine or other order of a court which was imposed or made on conviction of an offence and at any time before the time the confiscation order is made, or

(b) to pay a sum which would be included among the preferential debts if the defendant’s bankruptcy had commenced on the date of the confiscation order or his winding up had been ordered on that date.

(3) “Preferential debts” has the meaning given by section 386 of the Insolvency Act 1986 (c. 45).

Commencement Information

I4 S. 9 in force at 24.3.2003 by S.I. 2003/333, art. 2, Sch.

10 Assumptions to be made in case of criminal lifestyle E+W

(1) If the court decides under section 6 that the defendant has a criminal lifestyle it must make the following four assumptions for the purpose of—

(a) deciding whether he has benefited from his general criminal conduct, and

(b) deciding his benefit from the conduct.

(2) The first assumption is that any property transferred to the defendant at any time after the relevant day was obtained by him—

(a) as a result of his general criminal conduct, and

(b) at the earliest time he appears to have held it.

(3) The second assumption is that any property held by the defendant at any time after the date of conviction was obtained by him—

(a) as a result of his general criminal conduct, and

(b) at the earliest time he appears to have held it.

(4) The third assumption is that any expenditure incurred by the defendant at any time after the relevant day was met from property obtained by him as a result of his general criminal conduct.

(5) The fourth assumption is that, for the purpose of valuing any property obtained (or assumed to have been obtained) by the defendant, he obtained it free of any other interests in it.

(6) But the court must not make a required assumption in relation to particular property or expenditure if—

(a) the assumption is shown to be incorrect, or

(b) there would be a serious risk of injustice if the assumption were made.

(7) If the court does not make one or more of the required assumptions it must state its reasons.

(8) The relevant day is the first day of the period of six years ending with—

(a) the day when proceedings for the offence concerned were started against the defendant, or

(b) if there are two or more offences and proceedings for them were started on different days, the earliest of those days.

(9) But if a confiscation order mentioned in section 8(3)(c) has been made against the defendant at any time during the period mentioned in subsection (8)—

(a) the relevant day is the day when the defendant’s benefit was calculated for the purposes of the last such confiscation order;

(b) the second assumption does not apply to any property which was held by him on or before the relevant day.

(10) The date of conviction is—

(a) the date on which the defendant was convicted of the offence concerned, or

(b) if there are two or more offences and the convictions were on different dates, the date of the latest.

Commencement Information

I5 S. 10 in force at 24.3.2003 by S.I. 2003/333, art. 2, Sch.

[F49 10A Determination of extent of defendant's interest in property E+W

(1) Where it appears to a court making a confiscation order that—

(a) there is property held by the defendant that is likely to be realised or otherwise used to satisfy the order, and

(b) a person other than the defendant holds, or may hold, an interest in the property,

the court may, if it thinks it appropriate to do so, determine the extent (at the time the confiscation order is made) of the defendant's interest in the property.

(2) The court must not exercise the power conferred by subsection (1) unless it gives to anyone who the court thinks is or may be a person holding an interest in the property a reasonable opportunity to make representations to it.

(3) A determination under this section is conclusive in relation to any question as to the extent of the defendant's interest in the property that arises in connection with—

(a) the realisation [F50 or destruction] of the property, or the transfer of an interest in the property, with a view to satisfying the confiscation order, or

(b) any action or proceedings taken for the purposes of any such realisation or transfer.

(4) Subsection (3)—

(a) is subject to section 51(8B), and

(b) does not apply in relation to a question that arises in proceedings before the Court of Appeal or the Supreme Court.

(5) In this Part, the “extent” of the defendant's interest in property means the proportion that the value of the defendant's interest in it bears to the value of the property itself.]

Textual Amendments

F49 S. 10A inserted (1.6.2015) by Serious Crime Act 2015 (c. 9), ss. 1, 88(1); S.I. 2015/820, reg. 3(a)

F50 Words in s. 10A(3)(a) inserted (26.10.2023 for specified purposes, 26.4.2024 in so far as not already in force) by Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (c. 56), s. 219(1)(2)(b), Sch. 8 para. 9; S.I. 2024/269, reg. 4(a)

[F51 11 Time for payment E+W

(1) Unless subsection (2) applies, the full amount ordered to be paid under a confiscation order must be paid on the day on which the order is made.

(2) If the court making the confiscation order is satisfied that the defendant is unable to pay the full amount on that day, it may make an order requiring whatever cannot be paid on that day to be paid—

(a) in a specified period, or

(b) in specified periods each of which relates to a specified amount.

(3) A specified period—

(a) must start with the day on which the confiscation order is made, and

(b) must not exceed three months.

(4) If—

(a) within any specified period the defendant applies to the Crown Court for that period to be extended, and

(b) the court is satisfied that, despite having made all reasonable efforts, the defendant is unable to pay the amount to which the specified period relates within that period,

the court may make an order extending the period (for all or any part or parts of the amount in question).

(5) An extended period—

(a) must start with the day on which the confiscation order is made, and

(b) must not exceed six months.

(6) An order under subsection (4)—

(a) may be made after the end of the specified period to which it relates, but

(b) must not be made after the end of the period of six months starting with the day on which the confiscation order is made.

(7) Periods specified or extended under this section must be such that, where the court believes that a defendant will by a particular day be able—

(a) to pay the amount remaining to be paid, or

(b) to pay an amount towards what remains to be paid,

that amount is required to be paid no later than that day.

(8) The court must not make an order under subsection (2) or (4) unless it gives the prosecutor an opportunity to make representations.]

Textual Amendments

F51 S. 11 substituted (1.6.2015) by Serious Crime Act 2015 (c. 9), ss. 5(1), 88(1); S.I. 2015/820, reg. 3(b)

Commencement Information

I6 S. 11 in force at 24.3.2003 by S.I. 2003/333, art. 2, Sch.

12 Interest on unpaid sums E+W

(1) If [F52 any amount required to be paid] by a person under a confiscation order is not paid when it is required to be paid, he [F53 must pay interest on that amount] for the period for which it remains unpaid.

(2) The rate of interest is the same rate as that for the time being specified in section 17 of the Judgments Act 1838 (c. 110) (interest on civil judgment debts).

[F54 (3) If—

(a) an application has been made under section 11(4) for a specified period to be extended,

(b) the application has not been determined by the court, and

(c) the period of six months starting with the day on which the confiscation order was made has not ended,

the amount on which interest is payable under this section does not include the amount to which the specified period relates.]

(4) In applying this Part the amount of the interest must be treated as part of the amount to be paid under the confiscation order.

Textual Amendments

F52 Words in s. 12(1) substituted (1.6.2015) by Serious Crime Act 2015 (c. 9), s. 88(1), Sch. 4 para. 20(a); S.I. 2015/820, reg. 3(q)(iii)

F53 Words in s. 12(1) substituted (1.6.2015) by Serious Crime Act 2015 (c. 9), s. 88(1), Sch. 4 para. 20(b); S.I. 2015/820, reg. 3(q)(iii)

F54 S. 12(3) substituted (1.6.2015) by Serious Crime Act 2015 (c. 9), ss. 5(2), 88(1); S.I. 2015/820, reg. 3(b)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C17 S. 12 excluded (3.12.2014) by The Criminal Justice and Data Protection (Protocol No. 36) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/3141), regs. 1(b), 15(6)

Commencement Information

I7 S. 12 in force at 24.3.2003 by S.I. 2003/333, art. 2, Sch.

13 Effect of order on court’s other powers E+W

(1) If the court makes a confiscation order it must proceed as mentioned in subsections (2) and (4) in respect of the offence or offences concerned.

(2) The court must take account of the confiscation order before—

(a) it imposes a fine on the defendant, or

(b) it makes an order falling within subsection (3).

(3) These orders fall within this subsection—

(a) an order involving payment by the defendant, other than [F55 an order under [F56 section 46 of the Sentencing Code] (criminal courts charge) or] [F57 a priority order];

(b) an order under section 27 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (c. 38) (forfeiture orders);

(c) an order under [F58 Chapter 4 of Part 7 of the Sentencing Code] (deprivation orders);

(d) an order under section 23 [F59 or 23A] of the Terrorism Act 2000 (c. 11) (forfeiture orders).

[F60 (3A) In this section “priority order” means any of the following—

(a) a compensation order under [F61 Chapter 2 of Part 7 of the Sentencing Code];

(b) an order requiring payment of a surcharge under [F62 section 42 of the Sentencing Code];

(c) an unlawful profit order under section 4 of the Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act 2013.]

[F63 (d) a slavery and trafficking reparation order under section 8 of the Modern Slavery Act 2015.]

(4) Subject to subsection (2), the court must leave the confiscation order out of account in deciding the appropriate sentence for the defendant.

[F64 (5) Subsection (6) applies if—

(a) the Crown Court makes both a confiscation order and one or more priority orders against the same person in the same proceedings, and

(b) the court believes the person will not have sufficient means to satisfy all those orders in full.]

(6) In such a case the court must direct that so much of the [F65 amount payable under the priority order (or orders)] as it specifies is to be paid out of any sums recovered under the confiscation order; and the amount it specifies must be the amount it believes will not be recoverable because of the insufficiency of the person’s means.

Textual Amendments

F55 Words in s. 13(3)(a) inserted (13.4.2015) by Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015 (c. 2), s. 95(1), Sch. 12 para. 11; S.I. 2015/778, art. 3, Sch. 1 para. 78

F56 Words in s. 13(3)(a) substituted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 182(2)(a) (with Sch. 24 para. 447, Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2

F57 Words in s. 13(3)(a) substituted (1.6.2015) by Serious Crime Act 2015 (c. 9), ss. 6(2), 88(1); S.I. 2015/820, reg. 3(c)

F58 Words in s. 13(3)(c) substituted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 182(2)(b) (with Sch. 24 para. 447, Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2

F59 Words in s. 13(3)(d) inserted (18.6.2009) by Counter-Terrorism Act 2008 (c. 28), s. 100(5), Sch. 3 para. 7(2) (with s. 101(2)); S.I. 2009/1256, art. 2(c)

F60 S. 13(3A) inserted (1.6.2015) by Serious Crime Act 2015 (c. 9), ss. 6(3), 88(1); S.I. 2015/820, reg. 3(c)

F61 Words in s. 13(3A)(a) substituted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 182(3)(a) (with Sch. 24 para. 447, Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2

F62 Words in s. 13(3A)(b) substituted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 182(3)(b) (with Sch. 24 para. 447, Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2

F63 S. 13(3A)(d) inserted by 2015 c. 30 Sch. 5 para. 15 (as substituted) (17.3.2016) by The Modern Slavery Act 2015 (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/244), regs. 1(1), 26

F64 S. 13(5) substituted (1.6.2015) by Serious Crime Act 2015 (c. 9), ss. 6(4), 88(1); S.I. 2015/820, reg. 3(c)

F65 Words in s. 13(6) substituted (1.6.2015) by Serious Crime Act 2015 (c. 9), ss. 6(5), 88(1); S.I. 2015/820, reg. 3(c)

Commencement Information

I8 S. 13 in force at 24.3.2003 by S.I. 2003/333, art. 2, Sch.

[F66 13A Orders for securing compliance with confiscation order E+W

(1) This section applies where the court makes a confiscation order.

(2) The court may make such order as it believes is appropriate for the purpose of ensuring that the confiscation order is effective (a “compliance order”).

(3) The court must consider whether to make a compliance order—

(a) on the making of the confiscation order, and

(b) if it does not make a compliance order then, at any later time (while the confiscation order is still in effect) on the application of the prosecutor.

(4) In considering whether to make a compliance order, the court must, in particular, consider whether any restriction or prohibition on the defendant's travel outside the United Kingdom ought to be imposed for the purpose mentioned in subsection (2).

(5) The court may discharge or vary a compliance order on an application made by—

(a) the prosecutor;

(b) any person affected by the order.

Textual Amendments

F66 Ss. 13A, 13B inserted (1.6.2015) by Serious Crime Act 2015 (c. 9), ss. 7, 88(1) (with s. 86(1)); S.I. 2015/820, reg. 3(d)

13B Appeals against orders under section 13A E+W

(1) If on an application under section 13A(3)(b) the Crown Court decides not to make a compliance order, the prosecutor may appeal to the Court of Appeal against the decision.

(2) The following persons may appeal to the Court of Appeal in respect of the Crown Court's decision to make, discharge or vary a compliance order—

(a) the prosecutor;

(b) any person affected by the order.

(3) On an appeal under subsection (1) or (2) the Court of Appeal may—

(a) confirm the decision, or

(b) make such order as it believes is appropriate.

(4) An appeal lies to the Supreme Court against a decision of the Court of Appeal under subsection (3).

(5) An appeal under subsection (4) lies at the instance of any person who was a party to the proceedings before the Court of Appeal.

(6) On an appeal under subsection (4) the Supreme Court may—

(a) confirm the decision of the Court of Appeal, or

(b) make such order as it believes is appropriate.

(7) In this section “compliance order” means an order made under section 13A.]

Textual Amendments

F66 Ss. 13A, 13B inserted (1.6.2015) by Serious Crime Act 2015 (c. 9), ss. 7, 88(1) (with s. 86(1)); S.I. 2015/820, reg. 3(d)

Procedural matters E+W

14 Postponement E+W

(1) The court may—

(a) proceed under section 6 before it sentences the defendant for the offence (or any of the offences) concerned, or

(b) postpone proceedings under section 6 for a specified period.

(2) A period of postponement may be extended.

(3) A period of postponement (including one as extended) must not end after the permitted period ends.

(4) But subsection (3) does not apply if there are exceptional circumstances.

(5) The permitted period is the period of two years starting with the date of conviction.

(6) But if—

(a) the defendant appeals against his conviction for the offence (or any of the offences) concerned, and

(b) the period of three months (starting with the day when the appeal is determined or otherwise disposed of) ends after the period found under subsection (5),

the permitted period is that period of three months.

(7) A postponement or extension may be made—

(a) on application by the defendant;

(b) on application by the prosecutor F67 ...;

(c) by the court of its own motion.

(8) If—

(a) proceedings are postponed for a period, and

(b) an application to extend the period is made before it ends,

the application may be granted even after the period ends.

(9) The date of conviction is—

(a) the date on which the defendant was convicted of the offence concerned, or

(b) if there are two or more offences and the convictions were on different dates, the date of the latest.

(10) References to appealing include references to applying under section 111 of the Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980 (c. 43) (statement of case).

(11) A confiscation order must not be quashed only on the ground that there was a defect or omission in the procedure connected with the application for or the granting of a postponement.

(12) But subsection (11) does not apply if before it made the confiscation order the court—

(a) imposed a fine on the defendant;

(b) made an order falling within section 13(3);

(c) made an order under [F68 Chapter 2 of Part 7 of the Sentencing Code] (compensation orders) [F69 ;

[F70 (ca) made an order under [F71 section 42 of the Sentencing Code] (orders requiring payment of surcharge);]

(d) made an order under section 4 of the Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act 2013 (unlawful profit orders)].

Textual Amendments

F67 Words in s. 14(7)(b) repealed (1.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), s. 94(1), Sch. 8 para. 4, Sch. 14; S.I. 2008/755, art. 2(1)(a)(d) (with arts. 3-14)

F68 Words in s. 14(12)(c) substituted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 183(a) (with Sch. 24 para. 447, Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2

F69 S. 14(12)(d) inserted (15.10.2013 for E., 5.11.2013 for W.) by Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act 2013 (c. 3), s. 12, Sch. para. 15; S.I. 2013/2622, art. 2; S.I. 2013/2861, art. 2

F70 S. 14(12)(ca) inserted (1.6.2015) by Serious Crime Act 2015 (c. 9), s. 88(1), Sch. 4 para. 21; S.I. 2015/820, reg. 3(q)(iii)

F71 Words in s. 14(12)(ca) substituted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 183(b) (with Sch. 24 para. 447, Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2

Commencement Information

I9 S. 14 in force at 24.3.2003 by S.I. 2003/333, art. 2, Sch.

15 Effect of postponement E+W

(1) If the court postpones proceedings under section 6 it may proceed to sentence the defendant for the offence (or any of the offences) concerned.

(2) In sentencing the defendant for the offence (or any of the offences) concerned in the postponement period the court must not—

(a) impose a fine on him,

(b) make an order falling within section 13(3), F72 ...

(c) make an order for the payment of compensation under [F73 Chapter 2 of Part 7 of the Sentencing Code] [F74 , F75 ...

[F76 (ca) make an order for the payment of a surcharge under [F77 section 42 of the Sentencing Code], or]

(d) make an unlawful profit order under section 4 of the Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act 2013].

(3) If the court sentences the defendant for the offence (or any of the offences) concerned in the postponement period, after that period ends it may vary the sentence by—

(a) imposing a fine on him,

(b) making an order falling within section 13(3), F78 ...

(c) making an order for the payment of compensation under [F79 Chapter 2 of Part 7 of the Sentencing Code ] [F80 , F81 ...

[F82 (ca) making an order for the payment of a surcharge under [F83 section 42 of the Sentencing Code], or]

(d) making an unlawful profit order under section 4 of the Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act 2013].

(4) But the court may proceed under subsection (3) only within the period of 28 days which starts with the last day of the postponement period.

(5) For the purposes of—

(a) section 18(2) of the Criminal Appeal Act 1968 (c. 19) (time limit for notice of appeal or of application for leave to appeal), and

(b) paragraph 1 of Schedule 3 to the Criminal Justice Act 1988 (c. 33) (time limit for notice of application for leave to refer a case under section 36 of that Act),

the sentence must be regarded as imposed or made on the day on which it is varied under subsection (3).

(6) If the court proceeds to sentence the defendant under subsection (1), section 6 has effect as if the defendant’s particular criminal conduct included conduct which constitutes offences which the court has taken into consideration in deciding his sentence for the offence or offences concerned.

(7) The postponement period is the period for which proceedings under section 6 are postponed.

Textual Amendments

F72 Word in s. 15(2)(b) omitted (15.10.2013 for E., 5.11.2013 for W.) by virtue of Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act 2013 (c. 3), s. 12, Sch. para. 16(2)(a); S.I. 2013/2622, art. 2; S.I. 2013/2861, art. 2

F73 Words in s. 15(2)(c) substituted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 184(a) (with Sch. 24 para. 447, Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2

F74 S. 15(2)(d) and word inserted (15.10.2013 for E., 5.11.2013 for W.) by Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act 2013 (c. 3), s. 12, Sch. para. 16(2)(b); S.I. 2013/2622, art. 2; S.I. 2013/2861, art. 2

F75 Word in s. 15(2)(c) omitted (1.6.2015) by virtue of Serious Crime Act 2015 (c. 9), s. 88(1), Sch. 4 para. 22(2)(a); S.I. 2015/820, reg. 3(q)(iii)

F76 S. 15(2)(ca) inserted (1.6.2015) by Serious Crime Act 2015 (c. 9), s. 88(1), Sch. 4 para. 22(2)(b); S.I. 2015/820, reg. 3(q)(iii)

F77 Words in s. 15(2)(ca) substituted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 184(b) (with Sch. 24 para. 447, Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2

F78 Word in s. 15(3)(b) omitted (15.10.2013 for E., 5.11.2013 for W.) by virtue of Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act 2013 (c. 3), s. 12, Sch. para. 16(3)(a); S.I. 2013/2622, art. 2; S.I. 2013/2861, art. 2

F79 Words in s. 15(3)(c) substituted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 184(a) (with Sch. 24 para. 447, Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2

F80 S. 15(3)(d) and word inserted (15.10.2013 for E., 5.11.2013 for W.) by Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act 2013 (c. 3), s. 12, Sch. para. 16(3)(b); S.I. 2013/2622, art. 2; S.I. 2013/2861, art. 2

F81 Word in s. 15(3)(c) omitted (1.6.2015) by virtue of Serious Crime Act 2015 (c. 9), s. 88(1), Sch. 4 para. 22(3)(a); S.I. 2015/820, reg. 3(q)(iii)

F82 S. 15(3)(ca) inserted (1.6.2015) by Serious Crime Act 2015 (c. 9), s. 88(1), Sch. 4 para. 22(3)(b); S.I. 2015/820, reg. 3(q)(iii)

F83 Words in s. 15(3)(ca) substituted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 184(b) (with Sch. 24 para. 447, Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2

Commencement Information

I10 S. 15 in force at 24.3.2003 by S.I. 2003/333, art. 2, Sch.

16 Statement of information E+W

(1) If the court is proceeding under section 6 in a case where section 6(3)(a) applies, the prosecutor F84 ... must give the court a statement of information within the period the court orders.

(2) If the court is proceeding under section 6 in a case where section 6(3)(b) applies and it orders the prosecutor to give it a statement of information, the prosecutor must give it such a statement within the period the court orders.

(3) If the prosecutor F85 ... believes the defendant has a criminal lifestyle the statement of information is a statement of matters the prosecutor F86 ...believes are relevant in connection with deciding these issues—

(a) whether the defendant has a criminal lifestyle;

(b) whether he has benefited from his general criminal conduct;

(c) his benefit from the conduct.

(4) A statement under subsection (3) must include information the prosecutor F87 ... believes is relevant—

(a) in connection with the making by the court of a required assumption under section 10;

(b) for the purpose of enabling the court to decide if the circumstances are such that it must not make such an assumption.

(5) If the prosecutor F88 ... does not believe the defendant has a criminal lifestyle the statement of information is a statement of matters the prosecutor F89 ... believes are relevant in connection with deciding these issues—

(a) whether the defendant has benefited from his particular criminal conduct;

(b) his benefit from the conduct.

(6) If the prosecutor F90 ... gives the court a statement of information—

(a) he may at any time give the court a further statement of information;

(b) he must give the court a further statement of information if it orders him to do so, and he must give it within the period the court orders.

[F91 (6A) A statement of information (other than one to which subsection (6B) applies) must include any information known to the prosecutor which the prosecutor believes is or would be relevant for the purpose of enabling the court to decide—

(a) whether to make a determination under section 10A, or

(b) what determination to make (if the court decides to make one).

(6B) If the court has decided to make a determination under section 10A, a further statement of information under subsection (6)(b) must, if the court so orders, include specified information that is relevant to the determination.]

(7) If the court makes an order under this section it may at any time vary it by making another one.

Textual Amendments

F84 Words in s. 16(1) repealed (1.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), s. 94(1), Sch. 8 para. 5(2), Sch. 14; S.I. 2008/755, art. 2(1)(a)(d) (with arts. 3-14)

F85 Words in s. 16(3) repealed (1.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), s. 94(1), Sch. 8 para. 5(3)(a), Sch. 14; S.I. 2008/755, art. 2(1)(a)(d) (with arts. 3-14)

F86 Words in s. 16(3) repealed (1.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), s. 94(1), Sch. 8 para. 5(3)(b), Sch. 14; S.I. 2008/755, art. 2(1)(a)(d) (with arts. 3-14)

F87 Words in s. 16(4) repealed (1.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), s. 94(1), Sch. 8 para. 5(4), Sch. 14; S.I. 2008/755, art. 2(1)(a)(d) (with arts. 3-14)

F88 Words in s. 16(5) repealed (1.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), s. 94(1), Sch. 8 para. 5(5)(a), Sch. 14; S.I. 2008/755, art. 2(1)(a)(d) (with arts. 3-14)

F89 Words in s. 16(5) repealed (1.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), s. 94(1), Sch. 8 para. 5(5)(b), Sch. 14; S.I. 2008/755, art. 2(1)(a)(d) (with arts. 3-14)

F90 Words in s. 16(6) repealed (1.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), s. 94(1), Sch. 8 para. 5(6), Sch. 14; S.I. 2008/755, art. 2(1)(a)(d) (with arts. 3-14)

F91 S. 16(6A)(6B) inserted (1.6.2015) by Serious Crime Act 2015 (c. 9), ss. 2(1), 88(1); S.I. 2015/820, reg. 3(a)

Commencement Information

I11 S. 16 in force at 24.3.2003 by S.I. 2003/333, art. 2, Sch.

17 Defendant’s response to statement of information E+W

(1) If the prosecutor F92 ... gives the court a statement of information and a copy is served on the defendant, the court may order the defendant—

(a) to indicate (within the period it orders) the extent to which he accepts each allegation in the statement, and

(b) so far as he does not accept such an allegation, to give particulars of any matters he proposes to rely on.

(2) If the defendant accepts to any extent an allegation in a statement of information the court may treat his acceptance as conclusive of the matters to which it relates for the purpose of deciding the issues referred to in section 16(3) or (5) (as the case may be).

(3) If the defendant fails in any respect to comply with an order under subsection (1) he may be treated for the purposes of subsection (2) as accepting every allegation in the statement of information apart from—

(a) any allegation in respect of which he has complied with the requirement;

(b) any allegation that he has benefited from his general or particular criminal conduct.

(4) For the purposes of this section an allegation may be accepted or particulars may be given in a manner ordered by the court.

(5) If the court makes an order under this section it may at any time vary it by making another one.

(6) No acceptance under this section that the defendant has benefited from conduct is admissible in evidence in proceedings for an offence.

Textual Amendments

F92 Words in s. 17(1) repealed (1.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), s. 94(1), Sch. 8 para. 6, Sch. 14; S.I. 2008/755, art. 2(1)(a)(d) (with arts. 3-14)

Commencement Information

I12 S. 17 in force at 24.3.2003 by S.I. 2003/333, art. 2, Sch.

18 Provision of information by defendant E+W

(1) This section applies if—

(a) the court is proceeding under section 6 in a case where section 6(3)(a) applies, or

(b) it is proceeding under section 6 in a case where section 6(3)(b) applies or it is considering whether to proceed.

(2) For the purpose of obtaining information to help it in carrying out its functions [F93 (including functions under section 10A)] the court may at any time order the defendant to give it information specified in the order.

(3) An order under this section may require all or a specified part of the information to be given in a specified manner and before a specified date.

(4) If the defendant fails without reasonable excuse to comply with an order under this section the court may draw such inference as it believes is appropriate.

(5) Subsection (4) does not affect any power of the court to deal with the defendant in respect of a failure to comply with an order under this section.

(6) If the prosecutor F94 ... accepts to any extent an allegation made by the defendant—

(a) in giving information required by an order under this section, or

(b) in any other statement given to the court in relation to any matter relevant to [F95 deciding—

(i) the available amount under section 9, or

(ii) whether to make a determination under section 10A, or what determination to make (if the court decides to make one),]

the court may treat the acceptance as conclusive of the matters to which it relates.

(7) For the purposes of this section an allegation may be accepted in a manner ordered by the court.

(8) If the court makes an order under this section it may at any time vary it by making another one.

(9) No information given under this section which amounts to an admission by the defendant that he has benefited from criminal conduct is admissible in evidence in proceedings for an offence.

Textual Amendments

F93 Words in s. 18(2) inserted (1.6.2015) by Serious Crime Act 2015 (c. 9), ss. 2(2)(a), 88(1); S.I. 2015/820, reg. 3(a)

F94 Words in s. 18(6) repealed (1.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), s. 94(1), Sch. 8 para. 7, Sch. 14; S.I. 2008/755, art. 2(1)(a)(d) (with arts. 3-14)

F95 Words in s. 18(6)(b) substituted (1.6.2015) by Serious Crime Act 2015 (c. 9), ss. 2(2)(b), 88(1); S.I. 2015/820, reg. 3(a)

Commencement Information

I13 S. 18 in force at 24.3.2003 by S.I. 2003/333, art. 2, Sch.

[F96 18A Provision of information as to defendant's interest in property E+W

(1) This section applies if the court—

(a) is considering whether to make a determination under section 10A of the extent of the defendant's interest in any property, or

(b) is deciding what determination to make (if the court has decided to make a determination under that section).

In this section “interested person” means a person (other than the defendant) who the court thinks is or may be a person holding an interest in the property.

(2) For the purpose of obtaining information to help it in carrying out its functions under section 10A the court may at any time order an interested person to give it information specified in the order.

(3) An order under this section may require all or a specified part of the information to be given in a specified manner and before a specified date.

(4) If an interested person fails without reasonable excuse to comply with an order under this section the court may draw such inference as it believes is appropriate.

(5) Subsection (4) does not affect any power of the court to deal with the person in respect of a failure to comply with an order under this section.

(6) If the prosecutor accepts to any extent an allegation made by an interested person—

(a) in giving information required by an order under this section, or

(b) in any other statement given to the court in relation to any matter relevant to a determination under section 10A,

the court may treat the acceptance as conclusive of the matters to which it relates.

(7) For the purposes of this section an allegation may be accepted in a manner ordered by the court.

(8) If the court makes an order under this section it may at any time vary it by making another one.

(9) No information given by a person under this section is admissible in evidence in proceedings against that person for an offence.]

Textual Amendments

F96 S. 18A inserted (1.6.2015) by Serious Crime Act 2015 (c. 9), ss. 2(3), 88(1); S.I. 2015/820, reg. 3(a)

Reconsideration E+W

19 No order made: reconsideration of case E+W

(1) This section applies if—

(a) the first condition in section 6 is satisfied but no court has proceeded under that section,

(b) there is evidence which was not available to the prosecutor on the relevant date,

(c) before the end of the period of six years starting with the date of conviction the prosecutor F97 ... applies to the Crown Court to consider the evidence, and

(d) after considering the evidence the court believes it is appropriate for it to proceed under section 6.

(2) If this section applies the court must proceed under section 6, and when it does so subsections (3) to (8) below apply.

(3) If the court has already sentenced the defendant for the offence (or any of the offences) concerned, section 6 has effect as if his particular criminal conduct included conduct which constitutes offences which the court has taken into consideration in deciding his sentence for the offence or offences concerned.

(4) Section 8(2) does not apply, and the rules applying instead are that the court must—

(a) take account of conduct occurring before the relevant date;

(b) take account of property obtained before that date;

(c) take account of property obtained on or after that date if it was obtained as a result of or in connection with conduct occurring before that date.

(5) In section 10—

(a) the first and second assumptions do not apply with regard to property first held by the defendant on or after the relevant date;

(b) the third assumption does not apply with regard to expenditure incurred by him on or after that date;

(c) the fourth assumption does not apply with regard to property obtained (or assumed to have been obtained) by him on or after that date.

(6) The recoverable amount for the purposes of section 6 is such amount as—

(a) the court believes is just, but

(b) does not exceed the amount found under section 7.

(7) In arriving at the just amount the court must have regard in particular to—

(a) the amount found under section 7;

(b) any fine imposed on the defendant in respect of the offence (or any of the offences) concerned;

(c) any order which falls within section 13(3) and has been made against him in respect of the offence (or any of the offences) concerned and has not already been taken into account by the court in deciding what is the free property held by him for the purposes of section 9;

(d) any order which has been made against him in respect of the offence (or any of the offences) concerned under section 130 [F98 of the Powers of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Act 2000 or Chapter 2 of Part 7 of the Sentencing Code] (compensation orders) [F99 ;

[F100 (da) any order which has been made against the defendant in respect of the offence (or any of the offences) concerned under section 161A of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 [F101 or section 42 of the Sentencing Code] (orders requiring payment of surcharge);]

(e) any order which has been made against the defendant in respect of the offence (or any of the offences) concerned under section 4 of the Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act 2013 (unlawful profit orders)].

(8) If an order for the payment of compensation under section 130 [F102 of the Powers of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Act 2000 or Chapter 2 of Part 7 of the Sentencing Code] [F103 , a surcharge under section 161A of the Criminal Justice Act 2003] [F104 or section 42 of the Sentencing Code] [F105 or an unlawful profit order under section 4 of the Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act 2013] has been made against the defendant in respect of the offence or offences concerned, section 13(5) and (6) above do not apply [F106 in relation to it].

(9) The relevant date is—

(a) if the court made a decision not to proceed under section 6, the date of the decision;

(b) if the court did not make such a decision, the date of conviction.

(10) The date of conviction is—

(a) the date on which the defendant was convicted of the offence concerned, or

(b) if there are two or more offences and the convictions were on different dates, the date of the latest.

Textual Amendments

F97 Words in s. 19(1)(c) repealed (1.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), s. 94(1), Sch. 8 para. 8, Sch. 14; S.I. 2008/755, art. 2(1)(a)(d) (with arts. 3-14)

F98 Words in s. 19(7)(d) substituted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 185(2)(a) (with Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2

F99 S. 19(7)(e) inserted (15.10.2013 for E., 5.11.2013 for W.) by Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act 2013 (c. 3), s. 12, Sch. para. 17(2); S.I. 2013/2622, art. 2; S.I. 2013/2861, art. 2

F100 S. 19(7)(da) inserted (1.6.2015) by Serious Crime Act 2015 (c. 9), s. 88(1), Sch. 4 para. 23(2); S.I. 2015/820, reg. 3(q)(iii)

F101 Words in s. 19(7)(da) inserted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 185(2)(b) (with Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2

F102 Words in s. 19(8) substituted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 185(3)(a) (with Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2

F103 Words in s. 19(8) inserted (1.6.2015) by Serious Crime Act 2015 (c. 9), s. 88(1), Sch. 4 para. 23(3); S.I. 2015/820, reg. 3(q)(iii)

F104 Words in s. 19(8) inserted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 185(3)(b) (with Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2

F105 Words in s. 19(8) inserted (15.10.2013 for E., 5.11.2013 for W.) by Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act 2013 (c. 3), s. 12, Sch. para. 17(3); S.I. 2013/2622, art. 2; S.I. 2013/2861, art. 2

F106 Words in s. 19(8) inserted (31.7.2015) by Modern Slavery Act 2015 (c. 30), s. 61(1), Sch. 5 para. 16; S.I. 2015/1476, reg. 2(j)

Commencement Information

I14 S. 19 in force at 24.3.2003 by S.I. 2003/333, art. 2, Sch.

20 No order made: reconsideration of benefit E+W

(1) This section applies if the following two conditions are satisfied.

(2) The first condition is that in proceeding under section 6 the court has decided that—

(a) the defendant has a criminal lifestyle but has not benefited from his general criminal conduct, or

(b) the defendant does not have a criminal lifestyle and has not benefited from his particular criminal conduct.

F107 (3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(4) F108 ... the second condition is that—

(a) there is evidence which was not available to the prosecutor when the court decided that the defendant had not benefited from his general or particular criminal conduct,

(b) before the end of the period of six years starting with the date of conviction the prosecutor F109 ... applies to the Crown Court to consider the evidence, and

(c) after considering the evidence the court concludes that it would have decided that the defendant had benefited from his general or particular criminal conduct (as the case may be) if the evidence had been available to it.

(5) If this section applies the court—

(a) must make a fresh decision under section 6(4)(b) or (c) whether the defendant has benefited from his general or particular criminal conduct (as the case may be);

(b) may make a confiscation order under that section.

(6) Subsections (7) to (12) below apply if the court proceeds under section 6 in pursuance of this section.

(7) If the court has already sentenced the defendant for the offence (or any of the offences) concerned, section 6 has effect as if his particular criminal conduct included conduct which constitutes offences which the court has taken into consideration in deciding his sentence for the offence or offences concerned.

(8) Section 8(2) does not apply, and the rules applying instead are that the court must—

(a) take account of conduct occurring before the date of the original decision that the defendant had not benefited from his general or particular criminal conduct;

(b) take account of property obtained before that date;

(c) take account of property obtained on or after that date if it was obtained as a result of or in connection with conduct occurring before that date.

(9) In section 10—

(a) the first and second assumptions do not apply with regard to property first held by the defendant on or after the date of the original decision that the defendant had not benefited from his general or particular criminal conduct;

(b) the third assumption does not apply with regard to expenditure incurred by him on or after that date;

(c) the fourth assumption does not apply with regard to property obtained (or assumed to have been obtained) by him on or after that date.

(10) The recoverable amount for the purposes of section 6 is such amount as—

(a) the court believes is just, but

(b) does not exceed the amount found under section 7.

(11) In arriving at the just amount the court must have regard in particular to—

(a) the amount found under section 7;

(b) any fine imposed on the defendant in respect of the offence (or any of the offences) concerned;

(c) any order which falls within section 13(3) and has been made against him in respect of the offence (or any of the offences) concerned and has not already been taken into account by the court in deciding what is the free property held by him for the purposes of section 9;

(d) any order which has been made against him in respect of the offence (or any of the offences) concerned under [F110 section 130 of the Powers of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Act 2000 or Chapter 2 of Part 7 of the Sentencing Code] (compensation orders) [F111 ;

[F112 (da) any order which has been made against the defendant in respect of the offence (or any of the offences) concerned under section 161A of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 [F113 or section 42 of that Code] (orders requiring payment of surcharge);]

(e) any order which has been made against the defendant in respect of the offence (or any of the offences) concerned under section 4 of the Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act 2013 (unlawful profit orders)].

(12) If an order for the payment of compensation under [F114 section 130 of the Powers of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Act 2000 or Chapter 2 of Part 7 of the Sentencing Code] [F115 , a surcharge under section 161A of the Criminal Justice Act 2003] [F116 or section 42 of the Sentencing Code] [F117 or an unlawful profit order under section 4 of the Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act 2013] has been made against the defendant in respect of the offence or offences concerned, section 13(5) and (6) above do not apply [F118 in relation to it].

(13) The date of conviction is the date found by applying section 19(10).

Textual Amendments

F107 S. 20(3) repealed (1.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), s. 94(1), Sch. 8 para. 9(2), Sch. 14; S.I. 2008/755, art. 2(1)(a)(d) (with arts. 3-14)

F108 Words in s. 20(4) repealed (1.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), s. 94(1), Sch. 8 para. 9(3)(a), Sch. 14; S.I. 2008/755, art. 2(1)(a)(d) (with arts. 3-14)

F109 Words in s. 20(4)(b) repealed (1.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), s. 94(1), Sch. 8 para. 9(3)(b), Sch. 14; S.I. 2008/755, art. 2(1)(a)(d) (with arts. 3-14)

F110 Words in s. 20(11)(d) substituted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 186(2)(a) (with Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2

F111 S. 20(11)(e) inserted (15.10.2013 for E., 5.11.2013 for W.) by Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act 2013 (c. 3), s. 12, Sch. para. 18(2); S.I. 2013/2622, art. 2; S.I. 2013/2861, art. 2

F112 S. 20(11)(da) inserted (1.6.2015) by Serious Crime Act 2015 (c. 9), s. 88(1), Sch. 4 para. 24(2); S.I. 2015/820, reg. 3(q)(iii)

F113 Words in s. 20(11)(da) inserted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 186(2)(b) (with Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2

F114 Words in s. 20(12) substituted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 186(3)(a) (with Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2

F115 Words in s. 20(12) inserted (1.6.2015) by Serious Crime Act 2015 (c. 9), s. 88(1), Sch. 4 para. 24(3); S.I. 2015/820, reg. 3(q)(iii)

F116 Words in s. 20(12) inserted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 186(3)(b) (with Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2

F117 Words in s. 20(12) inserted (15.10.2013 for E., 5.11.2013 for W.) by Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act 2013 (c. 3), s. 12, Sch. para. 18(3); S.I. 2013/2622, art. 2; S.I. 2013/2861, art. 2

F118 Words in s. 20(12) inserted (31.7.2015) by Modern Slavery Act 2015 (c. 30), s. 61(1), Sch. 5 para. 17; S.I. 2015/1476, reg. 2(j)

Commencement Information

I15 S. 20 in force at 24.3.2003 by S.I. 2003/333, art. 2, Sch.

21 Order made: reconsideration of benefit E+W

(1) This section applies if—

(a) a court has made a confiscation order,

(b) there is evidence which was not available to the prosecutor F119 ... at the relevant time,

(c) the prosecutor F120 ... believes that if the court were to find the amount of the defendant’s benefit in pursuance of this section it would exceed the relevant amount,

(d) before the end of the period of six years starting with the date of conviction the prosecutor F121 ... applies to the Crown Court to consider the evidence, and

(e) after considering the evidence the court believes it is appropriate for it to proceed under this section.

(2) The court must make a new calculation of the defendant’s benefit from the conduct concerned, and when it does so subsections (3) to (6) below apply.

(3) If a court has already sentenced the defendant for the offence (or any of the offences) concerned section 6 has effect as if his particular criminal conduct included conduct which constitutes offences which the court has taken into consideration in deciding his sentence for the offence or offences concerned.

(4) Section 8(2) does not apply, and the rules applying instead are that the court must—

(a) take account of conduct occurring up to the time it decided the defendant’s benefit for the purposes of the confiscation order;

(b) take account of property obtained up to that time;

(c) take account of property obtained after that time if it was obtained as a result of or in connection with conduct occurring before that time.

(5) In applying section 8(5) the confiscation order must be ignored.

(6) In section 10—

(a) the first and second assumptions do not apply with regard to property first held by the defendant after the time the court decided his benefit for the purposes of the confiscation order;

(b) the third assumption does not apply with regard to expenditure incurred by him after that time;

(c) the fourth assumption does not apply with regard to property obtained (or assumed to have been obtained) by him after that time.

(7) If the amount found under the new calculation of the defendant’s benefit exceeds the relevant amount the court—

(a) must make a new calculation of the recoverable amount for the purposes of section 6, and

(b) if it exceeds the amount required to be paid under the confiscation order, may vary the order by substituting for the amount required to be paid such amount as it believes is just.

(8) In applying subsection (7)(a) the court must—

(a) take the new calculation of the defendant’s benefit;

(b) apply section 9 as if references to the time the confiscation order is made were to the time of the new calculation of the recoverable amount and as if references to the date of the confiscation order were to the date of that new calculation.

(9) In applying subsection (7)(b) the court must have regard in particular to—

(a) any fine imposed on the defendant for the offence (or any of the offences) concerned;

(b) any order which falls within section 13(3) and has been made against him in respect of the offence (or any of the offences) concerned and has not already been taken into account by the court in deciding what is the free property held by him for the purposes of section 9;

(c) any order which has been made against him in respect of the offence (or any of the offences) concerned under [F122 section 130 of the Powers of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Act 2000 or Chapter 2 of Part 7 of the Sentencing Code] (compensation orders) [F123 ;

[F124 (ca) any order which has been made against the defendant in respect of the offence (or any of the offences) concerned under section 161A of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 [F125 or section 42 of the Sentencing Code] (orders requiring payment of surcharge);]

(d) any order which has been made against the defendant in respect of the offence (or any of the offences) concerned under section 4 of the Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act 2013 (unlawful profit orders)].

(10) But in applying subsection (7)(b) the court must not have regard to an order falling within subsection (9)(c) [F126 , (ca) ] [F127 or (d)] if a court has made a direction under section 13(6).

(11) In deciding under this section whether one amount exceeds another the court must take account of any change in the value of money.

(12) The relevant time is—

(a) when the court calculated the defendant’s benefit for the purposes of the confiscation order, if this section has not applied previously;

(b) when the court last calculated the defendant’s benefit in pursuance of this section, if this section has applied previously.

(13) The relevant amount is—

(a) the amount found as the defendant’s benefit for the purposes of the confiscation order, if this section has not applied previously;

(b) the amount last found as the defendant’s benefit in pursuance of this section, if this section has applied previously.

(14) The date of conviction is the date found by applying section 19(10).

Textual Amendments

F119 Words in s. 21(1)(b) repealed (1.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), s. 94(1), Sch. 8 para. 10, Sch. 14; S.I. 2008/755, art. 2(1)(a)(d) (with arts. 3-14)

F120 Words in s. 21(1)(c) repealed (1.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), s. 94(1), Sch. 8 para. 10, Sch. 14; S.I. 2008/755, art. 2(1)(a)(d) (with arts. 3-14)

F121 Words in s. 21(1)(d) repealed (1.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), s. 94(1), Sch. 8 para. 10, Sch. 14; S.I. 2008/755, art. 2(1)(a)(d) (with arts. 3-14)

F122 Words in s. 21(9)(c) substituted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 187(a) (with Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2

F123 S. 21(9)(d) inserted (15.10.2013 for E., 5.11.2013 for W.) by Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act 2013 (c. 3), s. 12, Sch. para. 19(2); S.I. 2013/2622, art. 2; S.I. 2013/2861, art. 2

F124 S. 21(9)(ca) inserted (1.6.2015) by Serious Crime Act 2015 (c. 9), s. 88(1), Sch. 4 para. 25(2); S.I. 2015/820, reg. 3(q)(iii)

F125 Words in s. 21(9)(ca) inserted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 187(b) (with Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2

F126 Words in s. 21(10) inserted (1.6.2015) by Serious Crime Act 2015 (c. 9), s. 88(1), Sch. 4 para. 25(3); S.I. 2015/820, reg. 3(q)(iii)

F127 Words in s. 21(10) inserted (15.10.2013 for E., 5.11.2013 for W.) by Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act 2013 (c. 3), s. 12, Sch. para. 19(3); S.I. 2013/2622, art. 2; S.I. 2013/2861, art. 2

Commencement Information

I16 S. 21 in force at 24.3.2003 by S.I. 2003/333, art. 2, Sch.

22 Order made: reconsideration of available amount E+W

(1) This section applies if—

(a) a court has made a confiscation order,

(b) the amount required to be paid was the amount found under section 7(2), and

(c) an applicant falling within subsection (2) applies to the Crown Court to make a new calculation of the available amount.

(2) These applicants fall within this subsection—

(a) the prosecutor;

F128 (b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(c) a receiver appointed under section 50 F129 ....

(3) In a case where this section applies the court must make the new calculation, and in doing so it must apply section 9 as if references to the time the confiscation order is made were to the time of the new calculation and as if references to the date of the confiscation order were to the date of the new calculation.

(4) If the amount found under the new calculation exceeds the relevant amount the court may vary the order by substituting for the amount required to be paid such amount as—

(a) it believes is just, but

(b) does not exceed the amount found as the defendant’s benefit from the conduct concerned.

(5) In deciding what is just the court must have regard in particular to—

(a) any fine imposed on the defendant for the offence (or any of the offences) concerned;

(b) any order which falls within section 13(3) and has been made against him in respect of the offence (or any of the offences) concerned and has not already been taken into account by the court in deciding what is the free property held by him for the purposes of section 9;

(c) any order which has been made against him in respect of the offence (or any of the offences) concerned under [F130 section 130 of the Powers of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Act 2000 or Chapter 2 of Part 7 of the Sentencing Code] (compensation orders).

[F131 (d) any order which has been made against the defendant in respect of the offence (or any of the offences) concerned under section 161A of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 [F132 or section 42 of the Sentencing Code] (orders requiring payment of surcharge).]

(6) But in deciding what is just the court must not have regard to an order falling within subsection (5)(c) [F133 or (d).] if a court has made a direction under section 13(6).

(7) In deciding under this section whether one amount exceeds another the court must take account of any change in the value of money.

(8) The relevant amount is—

(a) the amount found as the available amount for the purposes of the confiscation order, if this section has not applied previously;

(b) the amount last found as the available amount in pursuance of this section, if this section has applied previously.

(9) The amount found as the defendant’s benefit from the conduct concerned is—

(a) the amount so found when the confiscation order was made, or

(b) if one or more new calculations of the defendant’s benefit have been made under section 21 the amount found on the occasion of the last such calculation.

Textual Amendments

F128 S. 22(2)(b) repealed (1.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), s. 94(1), Sch. 8 para. 11(a), Sch. 14; S.I. 2008/755, art. 2(1)(a)(d) (with arts. 3-14)

F129 Words in s. 22(2)(c) repealed (1.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), s. 94(1), Sch. 8 para. 11(b), Sch. 14; S.I. 2008/755, art. 2(1)(a)(d) (with arts. 3-14)

F130 Words in s. 22(5)(c) substituted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 188(a) (with Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2

F131 S. 22(5)(d) inserted (1.6.2015) by Serious Crime Act 2015 (c. 9), s. 88(1), Sch. 4 para. 26(2); S.I. 2015/820, reg. 3(q)(iii)

F132 Words in s. 22(5)(d) inserted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 188(b) (with Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2

F133 Words in s. 22(6) inserted (1.6.2015) by Serious Crime Act 2015 (c. 9), s. 88(1), Sch. 4 para. 26(3); S.I. 2015/820, reg. 3(q)(iii)

Commencement Information

I17 S. 22 in force at 24.3.2003 by S.I. 2003/333, art. 2, Sch.

23 Inadequacy of available amount: variation of order E+W

(1) This section applies if—

(a) a court has made a confiscation order, and

(b) the defendant [F134 or the prosecutor] , or a receiver appointed under section 50 F135 ..., applies to the Crown Court to vary the order under this section.

(2) In such a case the court must calculate the available amount, and in doing so it must apply section 9 as if references to the time the confiscation order is made were to the time of the calculation and as if references to the date of the confiscation order were to the date of the calculation.

(3) If the court finds that the available amount (as so calculated) is inadequate for the payment of any amount remaining to be paid under the confiscation order it may vary the order by substituting for the amount required to be paid such smaller amount as the court believes is just.

(4) If a person has been [F136 made] bankrupt or his estate has been sequestrated, or if an order for the winding up of a company has been made, the court must take into account the extent to which realisable property held by that person or that company may be distributed among creditors.

(5) The court may disregard any inadequacy which it believes is attributable (wholly or partly) to anything done by the defendant for the purpose of preserving property held by the recipient of a tainted gift from any risk of realisation under this Part.

(6) In subsection (4) “company” means any company which may be wound up under the Insolvency Act 1986 (c. 45) or the Insolvency (Northern Ireland) Order 1989 (S.I. 1989/2405 (N.I. 19)).

Textual Amendments

F134 Words in s. 23(1)(b) inserted (1.6.2015) by Serious Crime Act 2015 (c. 9), ss. 8(1), 88(1); S.I. 2015/820, reg. 3(e)

F135 Words in s. 23(1)(b) repealed (1.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), s. 94(1), Sch. 8 para. 12, Sch. 14; S.I. 2008/755, art. 2(1)(a)(d) (with arts. 3-14)

F136 Word in s. 23(4) substituted (6.4.2016) by The Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (Consequential Amendments) (Bankruptcy) and the Small Business, Enterprise and Employment Act 2015 (Consequential Amendments) Regulations 2016 (S.I. 2016/481), reg. 1, Sch. 1 para. 18

Commencement Information

I18 S. 23 in force at 24.3.2003 by S.I. 2003/333, art. 2, Sch.

24 Inadequacy of available amount: discharge of order E+W

(1) This section applies if—

(a) a court has made a confiscation order,

(b) [F137 the designated officer for a magistrates' court] applies to the Crown Court for the discharge of the order, and

(c) the amount remaining to be paid under the order is less than £1,000.

(2) In such a case the court must calculate the available amount, and in doing so it must apply section 9 as if references to the time the confiscation order is made were to the time of the calculation and as if references to the date of the confiscation order were to the date of the calculation.

(3) If the court—

(a) finds that the available amount (as so calculated) is inadequate to meet the amount remaining to be paid, and

(b) is satisfied that the inadequacy is due wholly to a specified reason or a combination of specified reasons,

it may discharge the confiscation order.

(4) The specified reasons are—

(a) in a case where any of the realisable property consists of money in a currency other than sterling, that fluctuations in currency exchange rates have occurred;

(b) any reason specified by the Secretary of State by order.

(5) The Secretary of State may by order vary the amount for the time being specified in subsection (1)(c).

[F138 (6) The discharge of a confiscation order under this section does not prevent the making of an application in respect of the order under section 21(1)(d) or 22(1)(c).

(7) Where on such an application the court determines that the order should be varied under section 21(7) or (as the case may be) 22(4), the court may provide that its discharge under this section is revoked.]

Textual Amendments

F137 Words in s. 24(1)(b) substituted (1.4.2005) by Courts Act 2003 (c. 39), s. 110(1), Sch. 8 para. 406(a); S.I. 2005/910, art. 3(y)

F138 S. 24(6)(7) inserted (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 31.1.2018 in so far as not already in force) by Criminal Finances Act 2017 (c. 22), ss. 32(2), 58(1)(6) (with s. 32(7)); S.I. 2018/78, reg. 3(p)

Commencement Information

I19 S. 24 in force at 24.3.2003 by S.I. 2003/333, art. 2, Sch.

25 Small amount outstanding: discharge of order E+W

(1) This section applies if—

(a) a court has made a confiscation order,

(b) [F139 the designated officer for a magistrates' court] applies to the Crown Court for the discharge of the order, and

(c) the amount remaining to be paid under the order is £50 or less.

(2) In such a case the court may discharge the order.

(3) The Secretary of State may by order vary the amount for the time being specified in subsection (1)(c).

[F140 (4) The discharge of a confiscation order under this section does not prevent the making of an application in respect of the order under section 21(1)(d) or 22(1)(c).

(5) Where on such an application the court determines that the order should be varied under section 21(7) or (as the case may be) 22(4), the court may provide that its discharge under this section is revoked.]

Textual Amendments

F139 Words in s. 25(1)(b) substituted (1.4.2005) by Courts Act 2003 (c. 39), s. 110(1), Sch. 8 para. 406(b); S.I. 2005/910, art. 3(y)

F140 S. 25(4)(5) inserted (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 31.1.2018 in so far as not already in force) by Criminal Finances Act 2017 (c. 22), ss. 32(3), 58(1)(6) (with s. 32(7)); S.I. 2018/78, reg. 3(p)

Commencement Information

I20 S. 25 in force at 24.3.2003 by S.I. 2003/333, art. 2, Sch.

[F141 25A Recovery from estate of deceased defendant impractical: discharge of order E+W

(1) This section applies if—

(a) a court has made a confiscation order,

(b) the defendant dies while the order is not satisfied, and

(c) the designated officer for a magistrates' court applies to the Crown Court for the discharge of the order.

(2) The court may discharge the order if it appears to the court that—

(a) it is not possible to recover anything from the estate of the deceased for the purpose of satisfying the order to any extent, or

(b) it would not be reasonable to make any attempt, or further attempt, to recover anything from the estate of the deceased for that purpose.]

Textual Amendments

F141 S. 25A inserted (1.6.2015) by Serious Crime Act 2015 (c. 9), ss. 8(2), 88(1); S.I. 2015/820, reg. 3(e)

26 Information E+W

(1) This section applies if—

(a) the court proceeds under section 6 in pursuance of section 19 or 20, or

(b) the prosecutor F142 ... applies under section 21.

(2) In such a case—

(a) the prosecutor F143 ... must give the court a statement of information within the period the court orders;

(b) section 16 applies accordingly (with appropriate modifications where the prosecutor F144 ... applies under section 21);

(c) section 17 applies accordingly;

(d) section 18 applies as it applies in the circumstances mentioned in section 18(1).

Textual Amendments

F142 Words in s. 26(1)(b) repealed (1.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), s. 94(1), Sch. 8 para. 13(2), Sch. 14; S.I. 2008/755, art. 2(1)(a)(d) (with arts. 3-14)

F143 Words in s. 26(2)(a) repealed (1.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), s. 94(1), Sch. 8 para. 13(3)(a), Sch. 14; S.I. 2008/755, art. 2(1)(a)(d) (with arts. 3-14)

F144 Words in s. 26(2)(b) repealed (1.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), s. 94(1), Sch. 8 para. 13(3)(b), Sch. 14; S.I. 2008/755, art. 2(1)(a)(d) (with arts. 3-14)

Commencement Information

I21 S. 26 in force at 24.3.2003 by S.I. 2003/333, art. 2, Sch.

Defendant absconds E+W

27 Defendant convicted or committed E+W

(1) This section applies if the following two conditions are satisfied.

[F145 (2) The first condition is that a defendant falls within any of the following paragraphs—

(a) he absconds and, either before or after doing so, he is convicted of an offence or offences in proceedings before the Crown Court;

(b) he absconds after being committed to the Crown Court for sentence in respect of an offence or offences under [F146 any provision of sections 14 to 20 of the Sentencing Code];

(c) he absconds after being committed to the Crown Court in respect of an offence or offences under section 70 below (committal with a view to a confiscation order being considered).]

(3) The second condition is that—

(a) the prosecutor F147 ... applies to the Crown Court to proceed under this section, and

(b) the court believes it is appropriate for it to do so.

(4) If this section applies the court must proceed under section 6 in the same way as it must proceed if the two conditions there mentioned are satisfied; but this is subject to subsection (5).

(5) If the court proceeds under section 6 as applied by this section, this Part has effect with these modifications—

(a) any person the court believes is likely to be affected by an order under section 6 is entitled to appear before the court and make representations;

(b) the court must not make an order under section 6 unless the prosecutor F148 ... has taken reasonable steps to contact the defendant;

(c) section 6(9) applies as if the reference to subsection (2) were to subsection (2) of this section;

(d) sections 10, 16(4), 17 and 18 must be ignored;

(e) sections 19, 20 and 21 must be ignored while the defendant is still an absconder.

[F149 (6) Once the defendant ceases to be an absconder—

(a) section 19 has effect as if subsection (1) read—

“(1) This section applies if—

(a) at a time when the first condition in section 27 was satisfied the court did not proceed under section 6,

(b) before the end of the period of six years starting with the day when the defendant ceased to be an absconder, the prosecutor applies to the Crown Court to proceed under section 6, and

(c) the court believes it is appropriate for it to do so.”;

(b) section 20 has effect as if subsection (4) read—

“(4) The second condition is that—

(a) before the end of the period of six years starting with the day when the defendant ceased to be an absconder, the prosecutor applies to the Crown Court to reconsider whether the defendant has benefited from his general or particular criminal conduct (as the case may be), and

(b) the court believes it is appropriate for it to do so.”;

(c) section 21 has effect as if subsection (1) read—

“(1) This section applies if—

(a) a court has made a confiscation order,

(b) the prosecutor believes that if the court were to find the amount of the defendant's benefit in pursuance of this section it would exceed the relevant amount,

(c) before the end of the period of six years starting with the day when the defendant ceased to be an absconder, the prosecutor applies to the Crown Court to proceed under this section, and

(d) the court believes it is appropriate for it to do so.”;

(d) the modifications set out in subsection (5)(a) to (d) of this section do not apply to proceedings that take place by virtue of section 19, 20 or 21 (as applied by this subsection).]

Textual Amendments

F145 S. 27(2) substituted (1.6.2015) by Serious Crime Act 2015 (c. 9), ss. 9(1), 88(1); S.I. 2015/820, reg. 3(f)

F146 Words in s. 27(2)(b) substituted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 189 (with Sch. 24 para. 447, Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2

F147 Words in s. 27(3)(a) repealed (1.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), s. 94(1), Sch. 8 para. 14(2), Sch. 14; S.I. 2008/755, art. 2(1)(a)(d) (with arts. 3-14)

F148 Words in s. 27(5)(b) repealed (1.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), s. 94(1), Sch. 8 para. 14(3), Sch. 14; S.I. 2008/755, art. 2(1)(a)(d) (with arts. 3-14)

F149 S. 27(6) substituted for s. 27(6)(7) (1.6.2015) by Serious Crime Act 2015 (c. 9), ss. 9(2), 88(1); S.I. 2015/820, reg. 3(f)

Commencement Information

I22 S. 27 in force at 24.3.2003 by S.I. 2003/333, art. 2, Sch. (with arts. 3(2), 10-13)

28 Defendant neither convicted nor acquitted E+W

(1) This section applies if the following two conditions are satisfied.

(2) The first condition is that—

(a) proceedings for an offence or offences are started against a defendant but are not concluded,

(b) he absconds, and

(c) the period of [F150 three months] (starting with the day the court believes he absconded) has ended.

(3) The second condition is that—

(a) the prosecutor F151 ... applies to the Crown Court to proceed under this section, and

(b) the court believes it is appropriate for it to do so.

(4) If this section applies the court must proceed under section 6 in the same way as it must proceed if the two conditions there mentioned are satisfied; but this is subject to subsection (5).

(5) If the court proceeds under section 6 as applied by this section, this Part has effect with these modifications—

(a) any person the court believes is likely to be affected by an order under section 6 is entitled to appear before the court and make representations;

(b) the court must not make an order under section 6 unless the prosecutor F152 ... has taken reasonable steps to contact the defendant;

(c) section 6(9) applies as if the reference to subsection (2) were to subsection (2) of this section;

(d) sections 10, 16(4) and 17 to 20 must be ignored;

(e) section 21 must be ignored while the defendant is still an absconder.

[F153 (6) Once the defendant has ceased to be an absconder—

(a) section 21 has effect as if subsection (1) read—

“(1) This section applies if—

(a) a court has made a confiscation order,

(b) the prosecutor believes that if the court were to find the amount of the defendant's benefit in pursuance of this section it would exceed the relevant amount,

(c) before the end of the period of six years starting with the day when the defendant ceased to be an absconder, the prosecutor applies to the Crown Court to proceed under this section, and

(d) the court believes it is appropriate for it to do so.”;

(b) the modifications set out in subsection (5)(a) to (d) of this section do not apply to proceedings that take place by virtue of section 21 (as applied by this subsection).]

(7) If—

(a) the court makes an order under section 6 as applied by this section, and

(b) the defendant is later convicted in proceedings before the Crown Court of the offence (or any of the offences) concerned,

section 6 does not apply so far as that conviction is concerned.

Textual Amendments

F150 Words in s. 28(2)(c) substituted (1.6.2015) by Serious Crime Act 2015 (c. 9), ss. 9(3), 88(1); S.I. 2015/820, reg. 3(f)

F151 Words in s. 28(3)(a) repealed (1.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), s. 94(1), Sch. 8 para. 15(2), Sch. 14; S.I. 2008/755, art. 2(1)(a)(d) (with arts. 3-14)

F152 Words in s. 28(5)(b) repealed (1.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), s. 94(1), Sch. 8 para. 15(3), Sch. 14; S.I. 2008/755, art. 2(1)(a)(d) (with arts. 3-14)

F153 S. 28(6) substituted (1.6.2015) by Serious Crime Act 2015 (c. 9), ss. 9(4), 88(1); S.I. 2015/820, reg. 3(f)

Commencement Information

I23 S. 28 in force at 24.3.2003 by S.I. 2003/333, art. 2, Sch. (with arts. 3(2), 10-13)

29 Variation of order E+W

(1) This section applies if—

(a) the court makes a confiscation order under section 6 as applied by section 28,

(b) the defendant ceases to be an absconder,

(c) he is convicted of an offence (or any of the offences) mentioned in section 28(2)(a),

(d) he believes that the amount required to be paid was too large (taking the circumstances prevailing when the amount was found for the purposes of the order), and

(e) before the end of the relevant period he applies to the Crown Court to consider the evidence on which his belief is based.

(2) If (after considering the evidence) the court concludes that the defendant’s belief is well founded—

(a) it must find the amount which should have been the amount required to be paid (taking the circumstances prevailing when the amount was found for the purposes of the order), and

(b) it may vary the order by substituting for the amount required to be paid such amount as it believes is just.

(3) The relevant period is the period of 28 days starting with—

(a) the date on which the defendant was convicted of the offence mentioned in section 28(2)(a), or

(b) if there are two or more offences and the convictions were on different dates, the date of the latest.

(4) But in a case where section 28(2)(a) applies to more than one offence the court must not make an order under this section unless it is satisfied that there is no possibility of any further proceedings being taken or continued in relation to any such offence in respect of which the defendant has not been convicted.

Commencement Information

I24 S. 29 in force at 24.3.2003 by S.I. 2003/333, art. 2, Sch.

30 Discharge of order E+W

(1) Subsection (2) applies if—

(a) the court makes a confiscation order under section 6 as applied by section 28,

(b) the defendant is later tried for the offence or offences concerned and acquitted on all counts, and

(c) he applies to the Crown Court to discharge the order.

(2) In such a case the court must discharge the order.

(3) Subsection (4) applies if—

(a) the court makes a confiscation order under section 6 as applied by section 28,

(b) the defendant ceases to be an absconder,

(c) subsection (1)(b) does not apply, and

(d) he applies to the Crown Court to discharge the order.

(4) In such a case the court may discharge the order if it finds that—

(a) there has been undue delay in continuing the proceedings mentioned in section 28(2), or

(b) the prosecutor does not intend to proceed with the prosecution.

(5) If the court discharges a confiscation order under this section it may make such a consequential or incidental order as it believes is appropriate.

Commencement Information

I25 S. 30 in force at 24.3.2003 by S.I. 2003/333, art. 2, Sch.

Appeals E+W

31 Appeal by prosecutor [F154 etc] F155 ... E+W

(1) If the Crown Court makes a confiscation order the prosecutor F156 ... may appeal to the Court of Appeal in respect of the order.

(2) If the Crown Court decides not to make a confiscation order the prosecutor F157 ... may appeal to the Court of Appeal against the decision.

(3) Subsections (1) and (2) do not apply to an order or decision made by virtue of section [F158 10A, ] 19, 20, 27 or 28.

[F159 (4) An appeal lies to the Court of Appeal against a determination, under section 10A, of the extent of the defendant's interest in property.

(5) An appeal under subsection (4) lies at the instance of—

(a) the prosecutor;

(b) a person who the Court of Appeal thinks is or may be a person holding an interest in the property, if subsection (6) or (7) applies.

(6) This subsection applies if the person was not given a reasonable opportunity to make representations when the determination was made.

(7) This subsection applies if it appears to the Court of Appeal to be arguable that giving effect to the determination would result in a serious risk of injustice to the person.

(8) An appeal does not lie under subsection (4) where—

(a) the Court of Appeal believes that an application under section 50 is to be made by the prosecutor for the appointment of a receiver,

(b) such an application has been made but has not yet been determined, or

(c) a receiver has been appointed under section 50.]

Textual Amendments

F154 Word in s. 31 heading inserted (1.6.2015) by Serious Crime Act 2015 (c. 9), s. 88(1), Sch. 4 para. 27(2); S.I. 2015/820, reg. 3(q)(iii)

F155 Words in s. 31 heading repealed (1.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), s. 94(1), Sch. 8 para. 16(2), Sch. 14; S.I. 2008/755, art. 2(1)(a)(d) (with arts. 3-14)

F156 Words in s. 31(1) repealed (1.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), s. 94(1), Sch. 8 para. 16(3), Sch. 14; S.I. 2008/755, art. 2(1)(a)(d) (with arts. 3-14)

F157 Words in s. 31(2) repealed (1.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), s. 94(1), Sch. 8 para. 16(4), Sch. 14; S.I. 2008/755, art. 2(1)(a)(d) (with arts. 3-14)

F158 Word in s. 31(3) inserted (1.6.2015) by Serious Crime Act 2015 (c. 9), s. 88(1), Sch. 4 para. 27(3); S.I. 2015/820, reg. 3(q)(iii)

F159 S. 31(4)-(8) inserted (1.6.2015) by Serious Crime Act 2015 (c. 9), ss. 3(1), 88(1); S.I. 2015/820, reg. 3(a)

Commencement Information

I26 S. 31 in force at 24.3.2003 by S.I. 2003/333, art. 2, Sch.

32 Court’s powers on appeal E+W

(1) On an appeal under section 31(1) the Court of Appeal may confirm, quash or vary the confiscation order.

(2) On an appeal under section 31(2) the Court of Appeal may confirm the decision, or if it believes the decision was wrong it may—

(a) itself proceed under section 6 (ignoring subsections (1) to (3)), or

(b) direct the Crown Court to proceed afresh under section 6.

[F160 (2A) On an appeal under section 31(4) the Court of Appeal may—

(a) confirm the determination, or

(b) make such order as it believes is appropriate.]

(3) In proceeding afresh in pursuance of this section the Crown Court must comply with any directions the Court of Appeal may make.

(4) If a court makes or varies a confiscation order under this section or in pursuance of a direction under this section it must—

(a) have regard to any fine imposed on the defendant in respect of the offence (or any of the offences) concerned;

(b) have regard to any order which falls within section 13(3) and has been made against him in respect of the offence (or any of the offences) concerned, unless the order has already been taken into account by a court in deciding what is the free property held by the defendant for the purposes of section 9.

(5) If the Court of Appeal proceeds under section 6 or the Crown Court proceeds afresh under that section in pursuance of a direction under this section subsections (6) to (10) apply.

(6) If a court has already sentenced the defendant for the offence (or any of the offences) concerned, section 6 has effect as if his particular criminal conduct included conduct which constitutes offences which the court has taken into consideration in deciding his sentence for the offence or offences concerned.

(7) If an order has been made against the defendant in respect of the offence (or any of the offences) concerned under [F161 section 130 of the Powers of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Act 2000 or Chapter 2 of Part 7 of the Sentencing Code] (compensation orders)[F162 , section 161A of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 [F163 or section 42 of the Sentencing Code] (orders requiring payment of surcharge)] [F164 or section 4 of the Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act 2013 (unlawful profit orders)]—

(a) the court must have regard to it, and

(b) section 13(5) and (6) above do not apply [F165 in relation to it].

(8) Section 8(2) does not apply, and the rules applying instead are that the court must—

(a) take account of conduct occurring before the relevant date;

(b) take account of property obtained before that date;

(c) take account of property obtained on or after that date if it was obtained as a result of or in connection with conduct occurring before that date.

(9) In section 10—

(a) the first and second assumptions do not apply with regard to property first held by the defendant on or after the relevant date;

(b) the third assumption does not apply with regard to expenditure incurred by him on or after that date;

(c) the fourth assumption does not apply with regard to property obtained (or assumed to have been obtained) by him on or after that date.

(10) Section 26 applies as it applies in the circumstances mentioned in subsection (1) of that section.

(11) The relevant date is the date on which the Crown Court decided not to make a confiscation order.

Textual Amendments

F160 S. 32(2A) inserted (1.6.2015) by Serious Crime Act 2015 (c. 9), ss. 3(2), 88(1); S.I. 2015/820, reg. 3(a)

F161 Words in s. 32(7) substituted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 190(a) (with Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2

F162 Words in s. 32(7) inserted (1.6.2015) by Serious Crime Act 2015 (c. 9), s. 88(1), Sch. 4 para. 28; S.I. 2015/820, reg. 3(q)(iii)

F163 Words in s. 32(7) inserted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 190(b) (with Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2

F164 Words in s. 32(7) inserted (15.10.2013 for E., 5.11.2013 for W.) by Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act 2013 (c. 3), s. 12, Sch. para. 20; S.I. 2013/2622, art. 2; S.I. 2013/2861, art. 2

F165 Words in s. 32(7)(b) inserted (31.7.2015) by Modern Slavery Act 2015 (c. 30), s. 61(1), Sch. 5 para. 18; S.I. 2015/1476, reg. 2(j)

Commencement Information

I27 S. 32 in force at 24.3.2003 by S.I. 2003/333, art. 2, Sch.

33 Appeal to [F166 Supreme Court] E+W

(1) An appeal lies to the [F167 Supreme Court] from a decision of the Court of Appeal on an appeal under section 31.

[F168 (2) An appeal under this section lies at the instance of—

(a) the defendant or the prosecutor (except where paragraph (b) applies);

(b) if the proceedings in the Court of Appeal were proceedings on an appeal under section 31(4), any person who was a party to those proceedings.]

(3) On an appeal from a decision of the Court of Appeal to confirm, vary or make a confiscation order the [F169 Supreme Court] may confirm, quash or vary the order.

[F170 (3A) On an appeal under this section from a decision under section 32(2A) the Supreme Court may—

(a) confirm the decision of the Court of Appeal, or

(b) make such order as it believes is appropriate.]

(4) On an appeal from a decision of the Court of Appeal to confirm the decision of the Crown Court not to make a confiscation order or from a decision of the Court of Appeal to quash a confiscation order the [F169 Supreme Court] may—

(a) confirm the decision, or

(b) direct the Crown Court to proceed afresh under section 6 if it believes the decision was wrong.

(5) In proceeding afresh in pursuance of this section the Crown Court must comply with any directions the [F169 Supreme Court] may make.

(6) If a court varies a confiscation order under this section or makes a confiscation order in pursuance of a direction under this section it must—

(a) have regard to any fine imposed on the defendant in respect of the offence (or any of the offences) concerned;

(b) have regard to any order which falls within section 13(3) and has been made against him in respect of the offence (or any of the offences) concerned, unless the order has already been taken into account by a court in deciding what is the free property held by the defendant for the purposes of section 9.

(7) If the Crown Court proceeds afresh under section 6 in pursuance of a direction under this section subsections (8) to (12) apply.

(8) If a court has already sentenced the defendant for the offence (or any of the offences) concerned, section 6 has effect as if his particular criminal conduct included conduct which constitutes offences which the court has taken into consideration in deciding his sentence for the offence or offences concerned.

(9) If an order has been made against the defendant in respect of the offence (or any of the offences) concerned under [F171 section 130 of the Powers of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Act 2000 or Chapter 2 of Part 7 of the Sentencing Code] (compensation orders) [F172 , section 161A of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 [F173 or section 42 of the Sentencing Code] (orders requiring payment of surcharge) ] [F174 or section 4 of the Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act 2013 (unlawful profit orders)]—

(a) the Crown Court must have regard to it, and

(b) section 13(5) and (6) above do not apply [F175 in relation to it].

(10) Section 8(2) does not apply, and the rules applying instead are that the Crown Court must—

(a) take account of conduct occurring before the relevant date;

(b) take account of property obtained before that date;

(c) take account of property obtained on or after that date if it was obtained as a result of or in connection with conduct occurring before that date.

(11) In section 10—

(a) the first and second assumptions do not apply with regard to property first held by the defendant on or after the relevant date;

(b) the third assumption does not apply with regard to expenditure incurred by him on or after that date;

(c) the fourth assumption does not apply with regard to property obtained (or assumed to have been obtained) by him on or after that date.

(12) Section 26 applies as it applies in the circumstances mentioned in subsection (1) of that section.

(13) The relevant date is—

(a) in a case where the Crown Court made a confiscation order which was quashed by the Court of Appeal, the date on which the Crown Court made the order;

(b) in any other case, the date on which the Crown Court decided not to make a confiscation order.

Textual Amendments

F166 Words in s. 33 sidenote substituted (1.10.2009) by Constitutional Reform Act 2005 (c. 4), s. 148(1), Sch. 9 para. 77(2); S.I. 2009/1604, art. 2(d)

F167 Words in s. 33(1) substituted (1.10.2009) by Constitutional Reform Act 2005 (c. 4), s. 148(1), Sch. 9 para. 77(2); S.I. 2009/1604, art. 2(d)

F168 S. 33(2) substituted (1.6.2015) by Serious Crime Act 2015 (c. 9), ss. 3(3)(a), 88(1); S.I. 2015/820, reg. 3(a)

F169 Words in s. 33(3)-(5) substituted (1.10.2009) by Constitutional Reform Act 2005 (c. 4), s. 148(1), Sch. 9 para. 77(2); S.I. 2009/1604, art. 2(d)

F170 S. 33(3A) inserted (1.6.2015) by Serious Crime Act 2015 (c. 9), ss. 3(3)(b), 88(1); S.I. 2015/820, reg. 3(a)

F171 Words in s. 33(9) substituted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 191(a) (with Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2

F172 Words in s. 33(9) inserted (1.6.2015) by Serious Crime Act 2015 (c. 9), s. 88(1), Sch. 4 para. 29; S.I. 2015/820, reg. 3(q)(iii)

F173 Words in s. 33(9) inserted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 191(b) (with Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2

F174 Words in s. 33(9) inserted (15.10.2013 for E., 5.11.2013 for W.) by Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act 2013 (c. 3), s. 12, Sch. para. 21; S.I. 2013/2622, art. 2; S.I. 2013/2861, art. 2

F175 Words in s. 33(9)(b) inserted (31.7.2015) by Modern Slavery Act 2015 (c. 30), s. 61(1), Sch. 5 para. 19; S.I. 2015/1476, reg. 2(j)

Commencement Information

I28 S. 33 in force at 24.3.2003 by S.I. 2003/333, art. 2, Sch.

Enforcement authority E+W

F176 34 Enforcement authority E+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F176 S. 34 repealed (1.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), s. 94(1), Sch. 8 para. 18, Sch. 14; S.I. 2008/755, art. 2(1)(a)(d) (with arts. 3-14)

Commencement Information

I29 S. 34 in force at 24.3.2003 by S.I. 2003/333, art. 2, Sch.

Enforcement as fines etc E+W

35 [F177 Enforcement as fines ] E+W

(1) This section applies if a court—

(a) makes a confiscation order, and

F178 (b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(2) [F179 Sections 129(1) to (3) and (5) and 132(1) to (4) of the Sentencing Code] (functions of court as to fines and enforcing fines) apply as if the amount ordered to be paid were a fine imposed on the defendant by the court making the confiscation order.

[F180 (2A) Where a court is fixing a term of imprisonment or detention under [F181 section 129(3) of the Sentencing Code] (as applied by subsection (2) above) in respect of an amount ordered to be paid under a confiscation order, the maximum terms are those specified in the second column of the Table for amounts described in the corresponding entry in the first column.

TABLE

Amount	Maximum term
£10,000 or less	6 months
More than £10,000 but no more than £500,000	5 years
More than £500,000 but no more than £1 million	7 years
More than £1 million	14 years

(2B) In the application of [F182 subsection (2) of section 129 of the Sentencing Code] by virtue of subsection (2) above, the reference to [F183 subsections (3) to (5)] of that section is to be read as a reference to—

(a) [F184 subsections (3) and (5)] of that section, and

(b) subsection (2A) above.

(2C) The Secretary of State may by order—

(a) amend subsection (2A) so as to provide for minimum terms of imprisonment or detention under [F185 section 129(3) of the Sentencing Code] (as applied by subsection (2) above) in respect of amounts ordered to be paid under a confiscation order;

(b) amend the Table in subsection (2A) so as to remove, alter or replace any entry (including an entry inserted by virtue of the power in paragraph (a) of this subsection) or to add any entry.]

(3) In the application of Part 3 of the Magistrates’ Courts Act 1980 (c. 43) to an amount payable under a confiscation order—

(a) ignore section 75 of that Act (power to dispense with immediate payment);

(b) such an amount is not a sum adjudged to be paid by a conviction for the purposes of section 81 (enforcement of fines imposed on young offenders) or a fine for the purposes of section 85 (remission of fines) of that Act;

(c) in section 87 of that Act ignore subsection (3) (inquiry into means).

Textual Amendments

F177 S. 35 heading substituted (1.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), s. 94(1), Sch. 8 para. 19(2); S.I. 2008/755, art. 2(1)(a) (with arts. 3-14)

F178 S. 35(1)(b) and preceding word repealed (1.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), s. 94(1), Sch. 8 para. 19(3), Sch. 14; S.I. 2008/755, art. 2(1)(a)(d) (with arts. 3-14)

F179 Words in s. 35(2) substituted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 192(2) (with Sch. 24 para. 447, Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2

F180 S. 35(2A)-(2C) inserted (1.6.2015) by Serious Crime Act 2015 (c. 9), ss. 10(1), 88(1); S.I. 2015/820, reg. 3(g)

F181 Words in s. 35(2A) substituted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 192(3) (with Sch. 24 para. 447, Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2

F182 Words in s. 35(2B) substituted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 192(4)(a) (with Sch. 24 para. 447, Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2

F183 Words in s. 35(2B) substituted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 192(4)(b) (with Sch. 24 para. 447, Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2

F184 Words in s. 35(2B)(a) substituted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 192(4)(c) (with Sch. 24 para. 447, Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2

F185 Words in s. 35(2C)(a) substituted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 192(5) (with Sch. 24 para. 447, Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C18 S. 35 excluded (3.12.2014) by The Criminal Justice and Data Protection (Protocol No. 36) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/3141), regs. 1(b), 15(6)

Commencement Information

I30 S. 35 in force at 24.3.2003 by S.I. 2003/333, art. 2, Sch.

F186 36 Director appointed as enforcement authority E+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F186 S. 36 repealed (1.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), s. 94(1), Sch. 8 para. 20, Sch. 14; S.I. 2008/755, art. 2(1)(a)(d) (with arts. 3-14)

Commencement Information

I31 S. 36 in force at 24.3.2003 by S.I. 2003/333, art. 2, Sch.

F187 37 Director’s application for enforcement E+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F187 S. 37 repealed (1.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), s. 94(1), Sch. 8 para. 20, Sch. 14; S.I. 2008/755, art. 2(1)(a)(d) (with arts. 3-14)

Commencement Information

I32 S. 37 in force at 24.3.2003 by S.I. 2003/333, art. 2, Sch.

38 Provisions about imprisonment or detention E+W

(1) Subsection (2) applies if—

(a) a warrant committing the defendant to prison or detention is issued for a default in payment of an amount ordered to be paid under a confiscation order in respect of an offence or offences, and

(b) at the time the warrant is issued the defendant is liable to serve a term of custody in respect of the offence (or any of the offences).

(2) In such a case the term of imprisonment or of detention under section 108 of [F188 the Powers of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Act 2000] (detention of persons aged 18 to 20 for default) to be served in default of payment of the amount does not begin to run until after the term mentioned in subsection (1)(b) above.

(3) The reference in subsection (1)(b) to the term of custody the defendant is liable to serve in respect of the offence (or any of the offences) is a reference to the term of imprisonment, or detention in a young offender institution, which he is liable to serve in respect of the offence (or any of the offences).

(4) For the purposes of subsection (3) consecutive terms and terms which are wholly or partly concurrent must be treated as a single term and the following must be ignored—

(a) any sentence suspended under [F189 section 264 or 277 of the Sentencing Code] which has not taken effect at the time the warrant is issued;

(b) in the case of a sentence of imprisonment passed with an order under section 47(1) of the Criminal Law Act 1977 (c. 45) (sentences of imprisonment partly served and partly suspended) any part of the sentence which the defendant has not at that time been required to serve in prison;

(c) any term of imprisonment or detention fixed under [F190 section 129(3) of the Sentencing Code] (term to be served in default of payment of fine etc) for which a warrant committing the defendant to prison or detention has not been issued at that time.

(5) If the defendant serves a term of imprisonment or detention in default of paying any amount due under a confiscation order, his serving that term does not prevent the confiscation order from continuing to have effect so far as any other method of enforcement is concerned.

Textual Amendments

F188 Words in s. 38(2) substituted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 193(2) (with Sch. 24 para. 447, Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2

F189 Words in s. 38(4)(a) substituted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 193(3)(a) (with Sch. 24 para. 447, Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2

F190 Words in s. 38(4)(c) substituted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 193(3)(b) (with Sch. 24 para. 447, Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C19 S. 38 excluded (3.12.2014) by The Criminal Justice and Data Protection (Protocol No. 36) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/3141), regs. 1(b), 15(6)

Commencement Information

I33 S. 38 in force at 24.3.2003 by S.I. 2003/333, art. 2, Sch.

39 Reconsideration etc: variation of prison term E+W

(1) Subsection (2) applies if—

(a) a court varies a confiscation order under section 21, 22, 23, 29, 32 or 33,

(b) the effect of the variation is to vary the maximum period applicable in relation to the order under [F191 section 35(2A)], and

(c) the result is that that maximum period is less than the term of imprisonment or detention fixed in respect of the order under [F192 section 129(3) of the Sentencing Code].

(2) In such a case the court must fix a reduced term of imprisonment or detention in respect of the confiscation order under [F193 section 129(3) of the Sentencing Code] in place of the term previously fixed.

(3) Subsection (4) applies if paragraphs (a) and (b) of subsection (1) apply but paragraph (c) does not.

(4) In such a case the court may amend the term of imprisonment or detention fixed in respect of the confiscation order under [F194 section 129(3) of the Sentencing Code].

(5) If the effect of section 12 is to increase the maximum period applicable in relation to a confiscation order under [F195 section 35(2A)], on the application of the [F196 prosecutor] the Crown Court may amend the term of imprisonment or detention fixed in respect of the order under [F197 section 129(3) of that Code].

F198 (6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F191 Words in s. 39(1)(b) substituted (1.12.2020 immediately before the consolidation date (see 2020 c. 9, ss. 3, 5(2)(3) and 2020 c. 17, ss. 2, 416)) by Sentencing (Pre-consolidation Amendments) Act 2020 (c. 9), s. 5(2)(3), Sch. 2 para. 121(a); S.I. 2012/1236, reg. 2

F192 Words in s. 39(1)(c) substituted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 194(2) (with Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2

F193 Words in s. 39(2) substituted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 194(2) (with Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2

F194 Words in s. 39(4) substituted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 194(2) (with Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2

F195 Words in s. 39(5) substituted (1.12.2020 immediately before the consolidation date (see 2020 c. 9, ss. 3, 5(2)(3) and 2020 c. 17, ss. 2, 416)) by Sentencing (Pre-consolidation Amendments) Act 2020 (c. 9), s. 5(2)(3), Sch. 2 para. 121(b)(i); S.I. 2012/1236, reg. 2

F196 Word in s. 39(5) substituted (1.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), s. 94(1), Sch. 8 para. 21(2); S.I. 2008/755, art. 2(1)(a) (with arts. 3-14)

F197 Words in s. 39(5) substituted (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), s. 416(1), Sch. 24 para. 194(3) (with Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2 and words in s. 39(5) substituted (1.12.2020 immediately before the consolidation date (see 2020 c. 9, ss. 3, 5(2)(3) and 2020 c. 17, ss. 2, 416)) by Sentencing (Pre-consolidation Amendments) Act 2020 (c. 9), s. 5(2)(3), Sch. 2 para. 121(b)(ii); S.I. 2012/1236, reg. 2

F198 S. 39(6) repealed (1.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), s. 94(1), Sch. 8 para. 21(3), Sch. 14; S.I. 2008/755, art. 2(1)(a)(d) (with arts. 3-14)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C20 S. 39 excluded (3.12.2014) by The Criminal Justice and Data Protection (Protocol No. 36) Regulations 2014 (S.I. 2014/3141), regs. 1(b), 15(6)

Commencement Information

I34 S. 39 in force at 24.3.2003 by S.I. 2003/333, art. 2, Sch.

Restraint orders E+W

40 Conditions for exercise of powers E+W

(1) The Crown Court may exercise the powers conferred by section 41 if any of the following conditions is satisfied.

(2) The first condition is that—

(a) a criminal investigation has been started in England and Wales with regard to an offence, and

(b) there [F199 are reasonable grounds to suspect] that the alleged offender has benefited from his criminal conduct.

(3) The second condition is that—

(a) proceedings for an offence have been started in England and Wales and not concluded, and

(b) there is reasonable cause to believe that the defendant has benefited from his criminal conduct.

(4) The third condition is that—

(a) an application by the prosecutor F200 ... has been made under section 19, 20, 27 or 28 and not concluded, or the court believes that such an application is to be made, and

(b) there is reasonable cause to believe that the defendant has benefited from his criminal conduct.

(5) The fourth condition is that—

(a) an application by the prosecutor F201 ... has been made under section 21 and not concluded, or the court believes that such an application is to be made, and

(b) there is reasonable cause to believe that the court will decide under that section that the amount found under the new calculation of the defendant’s benefit exceeds the relevant amount (as defined in that section).

(6) The fifth condition is that—

(a) an application by the prosecutor F202 ... has been made under section 22 and not concluded, or the court believes that such an application is to be made, and

(b) there is reasonable cause to believe that the court will decide under that section that the amount found under the new calculation of the available amount exceeds the relevant amount (as defined in that section).

(7) The second condition is not satisfied if the court believes that—

(a) there has been undue delay in continuing the proceedings, or

(b) the prosecutor does not intend to proceed.

(8) If an application mentioned in the third, fourth or fifth condition has been made the condition is not satisfied if the court believes that—

(a) there has been undue delay in continuing the application, or

(b) the prosecutor F203 ... does not intend to proceed.

(9) If the first condition is satisfied—

(a) references in this Part to the defendant are to the alleged offender;

(b) references in this Part to the prosecutor are to the person the court believes is to have conduct of any proceedings for the offence;

(c) section 77(9) has effect as if proceedings for the offence had been started against the defendant when the investigation was started.

Textual Amendments

F199 Words in s. 40(2)(b) substituted (1.6.2015) by Serious Crime Act 2015 (c. 9), ss. 11(1), 88(1); S.I. 2015/820, reg. 3(h)

F200 Words in s. 40(4)(a) repealed (1.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), s. 94(1), Sch. 8 para. 22(2), Sch. 14; S.I. 2008/755, art. 2(1)(a)(d) (with arts. 3-14)

F201 Words in s. 40(5)(a) repealed (1.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), s. 94(1), Sch. 8 para. 22(3), Sch. 14; S.I. 2008/755, art. 2(1)(a)(d) (with arts. 3-14)

F202 Words in s. 40(6)(a) repealed (1.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), s. 94(1), Sch. 8 para. 22(4), Sch. 14; S.I. 2008/755, art. 2(1)(a)(d) (with arts. 3-14)

F203 Words in s. 40(8)(b) repealed (1.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), s. 94(1), Sch. 8 para. 22(5), Sch. 14; S.I. 2008/755, art. 2(1)(a)(d) (with arts. 3-14)

Commencement Information

I35 S. 40 in force at 24.3.2003 by S.I. 2003/333, art. 2, Sch.

41 Restraint orders E+W

(1) If any condition set out in section 40 is satisfied the Crown Court may make an order (a restraint order) prohibiting any specified person from dealing with any realisable property held by him.

(2) A restraint order may provide that it applies—

(a) to all realisable property held by the specified person whether or not the property is described in the order;

(b) to realisable property transferred to the specified person after the order is made.

[F204 (2A) A restraint order must be made subject to an exception enabling relevant legal aid payments to be made (a legal aid exception).

(2B) A relevant legal aid payment is a payment that the specified person is obliged to make—

(a) by regulations under section 23 or 24 of the Legal Aid, Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012, and

(b) in connection with services provided in relation to an offence which falls within subsection (5),

whether the obligation to make the payment arises before or after the restraint order is made.]

(3) A restraint order may be made subject to [F205 other ] exceptions, and an exception may in particular—

(a) make provision for reasonable living expenses and reasonable legal expenses;

(b) make provision for the purpose of enabling any person to carry on any trade, business, profession or occupation;

F206 (c) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(4) [F207 But where an exception to a restraint order is made under subsection (3), it] must not make provision for any legal expenses which—

(a) relate to an offence which falls within subsection (5), and

(b) are incurred by the defendant or by a recipient of a tainted gift.

(5) These offences fall within this subsection—

(a) the offence mentioned in section 40(2) or (3), if the first or second condition (as the case may be) is satisfied;

(b) the offence (or any of the offences) concerned, if the third, fourth or fifth condition is satisfied.

[F208 (5A) A legal aid exception—

(a) must be made subject to prescribed restrictions (if any) on—

(i) the circumstances in which payments may be made in reliance on the exception, or

(ii) the amount of the payments that may be made in reliance on the exception,

(b) must be made subject to other prescribed conditions (if any), and

(c) may be made subject to other conditions.

(5B) Any other exception to a restraint order may be made subject to conditions.]

(6) Subsection (7) applies if—

(a) a court makes a restraint order, and

(b) the applicant for the order applies to the court to proceed under subsection (7) (whether as part of the application for the restraint order or at any time afterwards).

(7) The court may make such order as it believes is appropriate for the purpose of ensuring that the restraint order is effective.

[F209 (7A) Subsections (7B) and (7C) apply where the Crown Court makes a restraint order (by virtue of the first condition in section 40) as a result of a criminal investigation having been started in England and Wales with regard to an offence.

(7B) The court—

(a) must include in the order a requirement for the applicant for the order to report to the court on the progress of the investigation at such times and in such manner as the order may specify (a “reporting requirement”), and

(b) must discharge the order if proceedings for the offence are not started within a reasonable time (and this duty applies whether or not an application to discharge the order is made under section 42(3)).

(7C) The duty under subsection (7B)(a) does not apply if the court decides that, in the circumstances of the case, a reporting requirement should not be imposed, but the court—

(a) must give reasons for its decision, and

(b) may at any time vary the order so as to include a reporting requirement (and this power applies whether or not an application to vary the order is made under section 42(3)).]

[F210 (7D) In considering whether to make an order under subsection (7), the court must, in particular, consider whether any restriction or prohibition on the defendant's travel outside the United Kingdom ought to be imposed for the purpose mentioned in that subsection.]

(8) A restraint order does not affect property for the time being subject to a charge under any of these provisions—

(a) section 9 of the Drug Trafficking Offences Act 1986 (c. 32);

(b) section 78 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 (c. 33);

(c) Article 14 of the Criminal Justice (Confiscation) (Northern Ireland) Order 1990 (S.I. 1990/2588 (N.I. 17));

(d) section 27 of the Drug Trafficking Act 1994 (c. 37);

(e) Article 32 of the Proceeds of Crime (Northern Ireland) Order 1996 (S.I. 1996/1299 (N.I. 9)).

(9) Dealing with property includes removing it from England and Wales.

[F211 (10) In this section “prescribed” means prescribed by regulations made by the Secretary of State.]

Textual Amendments

F204 S. 41(2A)(2B) inserted (1.6.2015) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), ss. 46(2), 61(2); S.I. 2015/813, art. 3(b)

F205 Word in s. 41(3) inserted (1.6.2015) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), ss. 46(3)(a), 61(2); S.I. 2015/813, art. 3(b)

F206 S. 41(3)(c) omitted (1.6.2015) by virtue of Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), ss. 46(3)(b), 61(2); S.I. 2015/813, art. 3(b)

F207 Words in s. 41(4) substituted (1.6.2015) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), ss. 46(4), 61(2); S.I. 2015/813, art. 3(b)

F208 S. 41(5A)(5B) inserted (20.3.2015 for specified purposes, 1.6.2015 in so far as not already in force) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), ss. 46(5), 61(2); S.I. 2015/813, arts. 2(a)(ii), 3(b)

F209 S. 41(7A)-(7C) inserted (1.6.2015) by Serious Crime Act 2015 (c. 9), ss. 11(2), 88(1); S.I. 2015/820, reg. 3(h)

F210 S. 41(7D) inserted (1.6.2015) by Serious Crime Act 2015 (c. 9), s. 88(1), Sch. 4 para. 31; S.I. 2015/820, reg. 3(q)(iii)

F211 S. 41(10) inserted (20.3.2015) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), ss. 46(6), 61(2); S.I. 2015/813, art. 2(a)(iii)

Commencement Information

I36 S. 41 in force at 24.3.2003 by S.I. 2003/333, art. 2, Sch. (with arts. 5, 10-13)

[F212 41A Restraint orders: power to retain seized property etc. E+W

(1) A restraint order may include provision authorising the detention of any property to which it applies if the property—

(a) is seized by an appropriate officer under a relevant seizure power, or

(b) is produced to an appropriate officer in compliance with a production order under section 345.

(2) Provision under subsection (1) may, in particular—

(a) relate to specified property, to property of a specified description or to all property to which the restraint order applies;

(b) relate to property that has already been seized or produced or to property that may be seized or produced in future.

(3) “Appropriate officer” means—

(a) an accredited financial investigator;

(b) a constable;

(c) an officer of Revenue and Customs;

[F213 (ca) an immigration officer;]

[F214 (d) a National Crime Agency officer,]

(e) a member of staff of the relevant director (within the meaning of section 352(5A)).

(4) “Relevant seizure power” means a power to seize property which is conferred by or by virtue of—

(a) section 47C,

(b) section 352, or

(c) Part 2 or 3 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (including as applied by order under section 114(2) of that Act).

(5) The Secretary of State may by order amend the definition of “relevant seizure power”.]

Textual Amendments

F212 S. 41A inserted (1.6.2015) by Policing and Crime Act 2009 (c. 26), ss. 52(2), 116(1); S.I. 2015/983, art. 2(2)(a)

F213 S. 41A(3)(ca) inserted (22.11.2014) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), Sch. 21 para. 15 (with Sch. 21 para. 40); S.I. 2014/3098, art. 2(e)

F214 S. 41A(3)(d) substituted (7.10.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 8 para. 112; S.I. 2013/1682, art. 3(v)

42 Application, discharge and variation E+W

(1) A restraint order—

(a) may be made only on an application by an applicant falling within subsection (2);

(b) may be made on an ex parte application to a judge in chambers.

(2) These applicants fall within this subsection—

(a) the prosecutor;

F215 (b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(c) an accredited financial investigator.

(3) An application to discharge or vary a restraint order or an order under section 41(7) may be made to the Crown Court by—

(a) the person who applied for the order;

(b) any person affected by the order.

(4) Subsections (5) to [F216 (8)] apply to an application under subsection (3).

(5) The court—

(a) may discharge the order;

(b) may vary the order.

(6) If the condition in section 40 which was satisfied was that proceedings were started or an application was made, the court must discharge the order on the conclusion of the proceedings or of the application (as the case may be).

[F217 (6A) The duty in subsection (6) to discharge a restraint order on the conclusion of proceedings does not apply where—

(a) the proceedings are concluded by reason of a defendant's conviction for an offence being quashed,

(b) the order is in force at the time when the conviction is quashed, and

(c) the Court of Appeal has ordered the defendant to be retried for the offence or the prosecutor has applied for such an order to be made.

(6B) But the court must discharge the restraint order—

(a) if the Court of Appeal declines to make an order for the defendant to be retried,

(b) if the Court of Appeal orders the defendant to be retried but proceedings for the retrial are not started within a reasonable time, or

(c) otherwise, on the conclusion of proceedings for the retrial of the defendant.]

[F218 (7) If the condition in section 40 which was satisfied was that an investigation was started—

(a) the court must discharge the order if within a reasonable time proceedings for the offence are not started;

(b) otherwise, the court must discharge the order on the conclusion of the proceedings.

(8) If the condition in section 40 which was satisfied was that an application was to be made—

(a) the court must discharge the order if within a reasonable time the application is not made;

(b) otherwise, the court must discharge the order on the conclusion of the application.]

Textual Amendments

F215 S. 42(2)(b) repealed (1.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), s. 94(1), Sch. 8 para. 23, Sch. 14; S.I. 2008/755, art. 2(1)(a)(d) (with arts. 3-14)

F216 Word in s. 42(4) substituted (1.6.2015) by Serious Crime Act 2015 (c. 9), s. 88(1), Sch. 4 para. 32(2); S.I. 2015/820, reg. 3(q)(iii)

F217 S. 42(6A)(6B) inserted (1.6.2015) by Serious Crime Act 2015 (c. 9), ss. 12, 88(1); S.I. 2015/820, reg. 3(i)

F218 S. 42(7)(8) substituted for s. 42(7) (1.6.2015) by Serious Crime Act 2015 (c. 9), s. 88(1), Sch. 4 para. 32(3); S.I. 2015/820, reg. 3(q)(iii)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C21 S. 42(2)(c) modified (1.4.2018) by The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (References to Welsh Revenue Authority Financial Investigators) Order 2018 (S.I. 2018/196), arts. 1(2), 3, Sch. para. 1

Commencement Information

I37 S. 42 in force at 24.3.2003 by S.I. 2003/333, art. 2, Sch.

43 Appeal to Court of Appeal E+W

(1) If on an application for a restraint order the court decides not to make one, the person who applied for the order may appeal to the Court of Appeal against the decision.

(2) If an application is made under section 42(3) in relation to a restraint order or an order under section 41(7) the following persons may appeal to the Court of Appeal in respect of the Crown Court’s decision on the application—

(a) the person who applied for the order;

(b) any person affected by the order.

(3) On an appeal under subsection (1) or (2) the Court of Appeal may—

(a) confirm the decision, or

(b) make such order as it believes is appropriate.

Commencement Information

I38 S. 43 in force at 24.3.2003 by S.I. 2003/333, art. 2, Sch.

44 Appeal to [F219 Supreme Court] E+W

(1) An appeal lies to the [F220 Supreme Court] from a decision of the Court of Appeal on an appeal under section 43.

(2) An appeal under this section lies at the instance of any person who was a party to the proceedings before the Court of Appeal.

(3) On an appeal under this section the [F221 Supreme Court] may—

(a) confirm the decision of the Court of Appeal, or

(b) make such order as it believes is appropriate.

Textual Amendments

F219 Words in s. 44 sidenote substituted (1.10.2009) by Constitutional Reform Act 2005 (c. 4), s. 148(1), Sch. 9 para. 77(3); S.I. 2009/1604, art. 2(d)

F220 Words in s. 44(1) substituted (1.10.2009) by Constitutional Reform Act 2005 (c. 4), s. 148(1), Sch. 9 para. 77(3); S.I. 2009/1604, art. 2(d)

F221 Words in s. 44(3) substituted (1.10.2009) by Constitutional Reform Act 2005 (c. 4), s. 148(1), Sch. 9 para. 77(3); S.I. 2009/1604, art. 2(d)

Commencement Information

I39 S. 44 in force at 24.3.2003 by S.I. 2003/333, art. 2, Sch.

[F222 44A Detention of property pending appeal E+W

(1) This section applies where—

(a) a restraint order includes provision under section 41A authorising the detention of property, and

(b) the restraint order is discharged under section 42(5) or 43(3)(b).

(2) This section also applies where—

(a) a restraint order includes provision under section 41A authorising the detention of property, and

(b) the restraint order is varied under section 42(5) or 43(3)(b) so as to omit any such provision.

(3) The property may be detained until there is no further possibility of an appeal against—

(a) the decision to discharge or vary the restraint order, or

(b) any decision made on an appeal against that decision.]

Textual Amendments

F222 S. 44A inserted (1.6.2015) by Policing and Crime Act 2009 (c. 26), ss. 52(3), 116(1); S.I. 2015/983, art. 2(2)(a)

F223 45 Seizure E+W

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F223 S. 45 repealed (1.6.2015) by Policing and Crime Act 2009 (c. 26), ss. 55(3), 116(1), Sch. 8 Pt. 4; S.I. 2015/983, art. 2(2)(a)(f) (with art. 4(1)(2))

Commencement Information

I40 S. 45 in force at 24.3.2003 by S.I. 2003/333, art. 2, Sch.

46 Hearsay evidence E+W

(1) Evidence must not be excluded in restraint proceedings on the ground that it is hearsay (of whatever degree).

(2) Sections 2 to 4 of the Civil Evidence Act 1995 (c. 38) apply in relation to restraint proceedings as those sections apply in relation to civil proceedings.

(3) Restraint proceedings are proceedings—

(a) for a restraint order;

(b) for the discharge or variation of a restraint order;

(c) on an appeal under section 43 or 44.

(4) Hearsay is a statement which is made otherwise than by a person while giving oral evidence in the proceedings and which is tendered as evidence of the matters stated.

(5) Nothing in this section affects the admissibility of evidence which is admissible apart from this section.

Commencement Information

I41 S. 46 in force at 24.3.2003 by S.I. 2003/333, art. 2, Sch.

47 Supplementary E+W

(1) The registration Acts—

(a) apply in relation to restraint orders as they apply in relation to orders which affect land and are made by the court for the purpose of enforcing judgments or recognisances;

(b) apply in relation to applications for restraint orders as they apply in relation to other pending land actions.

(2) The registration Acts are—

(a) the Land Registration Act 1925 (c. 21);

(b) the Land Charges Act 1972 (c. 61);

(c) the Land Registration Act 2002 (c. 9).

(3) But no notice may be entered in the register of title under the Land Registration Act 2002 in respect of a restraint order.

(4) The person applying for a restraint order must be treated for the purposes of section 57 of the Land Registration Act 1925 (inhibitions) as a person interested in relation to any registered land to which—

(a) the application relates, or

(b) a restraint order made in pursuance of the application relates.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C22 S. 47 extended (24.2.2003) by Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (Enforcement in different parts of the United Kingdom) Order 2002 (S.I. 2002/3133), arts. 1, 7(1)

Commencement Information

I42 S. 47 in force at 24.3.2003 by S.I. 2003/333, art. 2, Sch.

[F224 Search and seizure powers E+W

Textual Amendments

F224 Ss. 47A-47S and cross-heading inserted (22.11.2014 for the insertion of ss. 47A, 47G, 47S(1)-(5) for specified purposes, 1.6.2015 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2009 (c. 26), ss. 55(2), 116(1); S.I. 2014/3101, art. 3; S.I. 2015/983, art. 2(2)(a)

47A Sections 47B to 47S: meaning of “appropriate officer” E+W

(1) In sections 47B to 47S “appropriate officer” means—

(a) an officer of Revenue and Customs,

[F225 (aa) an immigration officer;]

(b) a constable, F226 ...

[F227 (ba) an SFO officer, or]

(c) an accredited financial investigator.

(2) In subsection (1)(c) the reference to an accredited financial investigator is a reference to an accredited financial investigator who falls within a description specified in an order made for the purposes of that provision by the Secretary of State [F228 or the Welsh Ministers] under section 453.

Textual Amendments

F225 S. 47A(1)(aa) inserted (22.11.2014) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), ss. 55(4)(a), 61(2) (with Sch. 21 para. 40); S.I. 2014/3098, art. 2(b)

F226 Word in s. 47A(1)(b) omitted (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 31.1.2018 in so far as not already in force) by virtue of Criminal Finances Act 2017 (c. 22), s. 58(1)(6), Sch. 1 para. 3(a); S.I. 2018/78, reg. 3(aa)

F227 S. 47A(1)(ba) inserted (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 31.1.2018 in so far as not already in force) by Criminal Finances Act 2017 (c. 22), s. 58(1)(6), Sch. 1 para. 3(b); S.I. 2018/78, reg. 3(aa)

F228 Words in s. 47A(2) inserted (1.4.2018) by The Tax Collection and Management (Wales) Act 2016 (Consequential and Supplemental Provisions) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/285), regs. 1(2), 5(a)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C23 S. 47A(1)(c) modified (1.4.2018) by The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (References to Welsh Revenue Authority Financial Investigators) Order 2018 (S.I. 2018/196), arts. 1(2), 3, Sch. para. 2

47B Conditions for exercise of powers E+W

(1) An appropriate officer may exercise the power conferred by section 47C if satisfied that any of the following conditions is met.

(2) The first condition is that—

(a) a criminal investigation has been started in England and Wales with regard to an indictable offence,

F229 (b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(c) proceedings for the offence have not yet been started against the person in England and Wales,

(d) there [F230 are reasonable grounds to suspect] that the person has benefited from conduct constituting the offence, and

(e) a restraint order is not in force in respect of any realisable property.

(3) The second condition is that—

(a) a criminal investigation has been started in England and Wales with regard to an indictable offence,

F231 (b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(c) proceedings for the offence have not yet been started against the person in England and Wales, and

(d) a restraint order is in force in respect of any realisable property.

(4) The third condition is that—

(a) proceedings for an indictable offence have been started in England and Wales and have not been concluded,

(b) there is reasonable cause to believe that the defendant has benefited from conduct constituting the offence, and

(c) a restraint order is not in force in respect of any realisable property.

(5) The fourth condition is that—

(a) proceedings for an indictable offence have been started in England and Wales and have not been concluded, and

(b) a restraint order is in force in respect of any realisable property.

(6) The fifth condition is that—

(a) an application by the prosecutor has been made under section 19, 20, 27 or 28 and not concluded, or the officer believes that such an application is to be made, and

(b) there is reasonable cause to believe that the defendant has benefited from criminal conduct.

(7) The sixth condition is that—

(a) an application by the prosecutor has been made under section 21 and not concluded, or the officer believes that such an application is to be made, and

(b) there is reasonable cause to believe that the court will decide under that section that the amount found under the new calculation of the defendant's benefit exceeds the relevant amount (as defined in that section).

(8) The seventh condition is that—

(a) an application by the prosecutor has been made under section 22 and not concluded, or the officer believes that such an application is to be made, and

(b) there is reasonable cause to believe that the court will decide under that section that the amount found under the new calculation of the available amount exceeds the relevant amount (as defined in that section).

(9) The third or fourth condition is not met if the officer believes that—

(a) there has been undue delay in continuing the proceedings, or

(b) the prosecutor does not intend to proceed.

(10) If an application mentioned in the fifth, sixth or seventh condition has been made the condition is not met if the officer believes that—

(a) there has been undue delay in continuing the application, or

(b) the prosecutor does not intend to proceed.

(11) In relation to the first or second condition references in sections 47C to 47S to the defendant are to the person mentioned in that condition.

(12) In relation to the first or second condition section 77(9) has effect as if proceedings for the offence had been started against the defendant when the investigation was started.

Textual Amendments

F229 S. 47B(2)(b) omitted (26.10.2023 for specified purposes, 26.4.2024 in so far as not already in force) by virtue of Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (c. 56), s. 219(1)(2)(b), Sch. 8 para. 2(a); S.I. 2024/269, reg. 4(a)

F230 Words in s. 47B(2)(d) substituted (1.3.2016) by Serious Crime Act 2015 (c. 9), ss. 13(1), 88(1); S.I. 2016/148, reg. 3(a)

F231 S. 47B(3)(b) omitted (26.10.2023 for specified purposes, 26.4.2024 in so far as not already in force) by virtue of Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (c. 56), s. 219(1)(2)(b), Sch. 8 para. 2(b); S.I. 2024/269, reg. 4(a)

47C Power to seize property E+W

(1) On being satisfied as mentioned in section 47B(1) an appropriate officer may seize any realisable property if the officer has reasonable grounds for suspecting that—

(a) the property may otherwise be made unavailable for satisfying any confiscation order that has been or may be made against the defendant, or

(b) the value of the property may otherwise be diminished as a result of conduct by the defendant or any other person.

(2) But the officer may not [F232 under subsection (1)] seize—

(a) cash, or

(b) exempt property.

(3) “Cash” has the same meaning as in section 289.

(4) “Exempt property” means—

(a) such tools, books, vehicles and other items of equipment as are necessary to the defendant for use personally in the defendant's employment, business or vocation;

(b) such clothing, bedding, furniture, household equipment, provisions or other things as are necessary for satisfying the basic domestic needs of the defendant and the defendant's family.

(5) In relation to realisable property which is free property held by the recipient of a tainted gift, references in subsection (4) to the defendant are to be read as references to the recipient of that gift.

Section 47B(11) is subject to this subsection.

[F233 (5A) On being satisfied as mentioned in section 47B(1) an appropriate officer may seize any free property if the officer has reasonable grounds for suspecting that it is a cryptoasset-related item.

(5B) A “cryptoasset-related item” is an item of property that is, or that contains or gives access to information that is, likely to assist in the seizure under subsection (1) of any cryptoasset.

(5C) The circumstances in which a cryptoasset is “seized” for the purposes of subsection (1) include circumstances in which it is transferred into a crypto wallet controlled by the appropriate officer.

(5D) If an appropriate officer is lawfully on any premises, the officer may, for the purpose of—

(a) determining whether any property is a cryptoasset-related item, or

(b) enabling or facilitating the seizure under subsection (1) of any cryptoasset,

require any information which is stored in any electronic form and accessible from the premises to be produced in a form in which it can be taken away and in which it is visible and legible, or from which it can readily be produced in a visible and legible form.

(5E) But subsection (5D) does not authorise an appropriate officer to require a person to produce information which the person would be entitled to refuse to provide on grounds of legal professional privilege in proceedings in the High Court.

(5F) Where an appropriate officer has seized a cryptoasset-related item under subsection (5A), they may use any information obtained from it for the purpose of—

(a) identifying or gaining access to a crypto wallet, and

(b) by doing so, enabling or facilitating the seizure under subsection (1) of any cryptoassets.]

(6) The power conferred by this section—

(a) may be exercised only with the appropriate approval under section 47G unless, in the circumstances, it is not practicable to obtain that approval before exercising the power, and

[F234 (aa) where applicable, in accordance with subsection (6A) or (6B).]

[F235 (6A) The power conferred by this section is exercisable] by an officer of Revenue and Customs only if the officer has reasonable grounds for suspecting that conduct constituting the relevant offence relates to an assigned matter (within the meaning of the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979).

[F236 (6B) The power conferred by this section is exercisable by an immigration officer only if the officer has reasonable grounds for suspecting that conduct constituting the relevant offence—

(a) relates to the entitlement of one or more persons who are not nationals of the United Kingdom to enter, transit across, or be in, the United Kingdom (including conduct which relates to conditions or other controls on any such entitlement), or

(b) is undertaken for the purposes of, or otherwise in relation to, a relevant nationality enactment.]

(7) “Relevant offence” means—

(a) in a case where the officer is satisfied that the first, second, third or fourth condition in section 47B is met, the offence mentioned in that condition,

(b) in a case where the officer is satisfied that any of the other conditions in section 47B is met, the offence (or any of the offences) concerned.

[F237 (8) Relevant nationality enactment” means any enactment in—

(a) the British Nationality Act 1981,

(b) the Hong Kong Act 1985,

(c) the Hong Kong (War Wives and Widows) Act 1996,

(d) the British Nationality (Hong Kong) Act 1997,

(e) the British Overseas Territories Act 2002, or

(f) an instrument made under any of those Acts.]

Textual Amendments

F232 Words in s. 47C(2) inserted (26.10.2023 for specified purposes, 26.4.2024 in so far as not already in force) by Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (c. 56), s. 219(1)(2)(b), Sch. 8 para. 3(2); S.I. 2024/269, reg. 4(a)

F233 S. 47C(5A)-(5F) inserted (26.10.2023 for specified purposes, 26.4.2024 in so far as not already in force) by Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (c. 56), s. 219(1)(2)(b), Sch. 8 para. 3(3); S.I. 2024/269, reg. 4(a)

F234 S. 47C(6)(aa) inserted (22.11.2014) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 21 para. 16(2)(a) (with Sch. 21 para. 40); S.I. 2014/3098, art. 2(e)

F235 S. 47C(6A) substituted (22.11.2014) for words by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 21 para. 16(2)(b) (with Sch. 21 para. 40); S.I. 2014/3098, art. 2(e)

F236 S. 47C(6B) inserted (22.11.2014) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 21 para. 16(3) (with Sch. 21 para. 40); S.I. 2014/3098, art. 2(e)

F237 S. 47C(8) inserted (22.11.2014) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 21 para. 16(4) (with Sch. 21 para. 40); S.I. 2014/3098, art. 2(e)

47D Search power: premises E+W

(1) If an appropriate officer is lawfully on any premises the officer may search the premises for the purpose of finding any property which—

(a) the officer has reasonable grounds for suspecting may be found there, and

(b) if found there, the officer intends to seize under section 47C.

(2) The power conferred by this section may be exercised only with the appropriate approval under section 47G unless, in the circumstances, it is not practicable to obtain that approval before exercising the power.

(3) “Premises” has the meaning given by section 23 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984.

47E Search power: people E+W

(1) An appropriate officer may exercise the following powers if the officer has reasonable grounds for suspecting that a person is carrying property that may be seized under section 47C.

(2) The officer may, so far as the officer thinks it necessary or expedient for the purpose of seizing the property under that section, require the person—

(a) to permit a search of any article with the person,

(b) to permit a search of the person.

(3) An officer exercising a power under subsection (2) may detain the person for so long as is necessary for its exercise.

(4) A power conferred by this section may be exercised only with the appropriate approval under section 47G unless, in the circumstances, it is not practicable to obtain that approval before exercising the power.

(5) This section does not require a person to submit to an intimate search or strip search (within the meaning of section 164 of the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979).

47F Search power: vehicles E+W

(1) The powers specified in subsection (4) are exercisable if—

(a) an appropriate officer has reasonable grounds for suspecting that a vehicle contains property that may be seized under section 47C, and

(b) it appears to the officer that the vehicle is under the control of a person who is in or in the vicinity of the vehicle.

(2) The powers are exercisable only if the vehicle is—

(a) in any place to which, at the time of the proposed exercise of the powers, the public or any section of the public has access, on payment or otherwise, as of right or by virtue of express or implied permission, or

(b) in any other place to which at that time people have ready access but which is not a dwelling.

(3) But if the vehicle is in a garden or yard or other land occupied with and used for the purposes of a dwelling, the officer may exercise the powers under subsection (4) only if the officer has reasonable grounds for believing—

(a) that the person does not reside in the dwelling, and

(b) that the vehicle is not in the place in question with the express or implied permission of another who resides in the dwelling.

(4) The officer may, so far as the officer thinks it necessary or expedient for the purpose of seizing the property under section 47C, require the person to—

(a) permit entry to the vehicle,

(b) permit a search of the vehicle.

(5) An officer exercising a power under subsection (4) may detain the vehicle for so long as is necessary for its exercise.

(6) A power conferred by this section may be exercised only with the appropriate approval under section 47G unless, in the circumstances, it is not practicable to obtain that approval before exercising the power.

47G “Appropriate approval” E+W

(1) This section has effect for the purposes of sections 47C, 47D, 47E and 47F.

(2) The appropriate approval, in relation to the exercise of a power by an appropriate officer, means the approval of a justice of the peace or (if that is not practicable in any case) the approval of a senior officer.

(3) A senior officer means—

(a) in relation to the exercise of a power by an officer of Revenue and Customs, an officer of Revenue and Customs of a rank designated by the Commissioners for Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs as equivalent to that of a senior police officer,

[F238 (aa) in relation to the exercise of a power by an immigration officer, an immigration officer of a rank designated by the Secretary of State as equivalent to that of a senior police officer,]

[F239 (ab) in relation to the exercise of a power by a National Crime Agency officer, the Director General of the National Crime Agency or any other National Crime Agency officer authorised by the Director General (whether generally or specifically) for this purpose,]

[F240 (ac) in relation to the exercise of a power by an SFO officer, the Director of the Serious Fraud Office,]

(b) in relation to the exercise of a power by a constable, a senior police officer,

[F241 (ba) in relation to the exercise of a power by an accredited financial investigator who is—

(i) a member of the civilian staff of a police force in England and Wales (including the metropolitan police force), within the meaning of Part 1 of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011, or

(ii) a member of staff of the City of London police force,

a senior police officer,]

(c) in relation to the exercise of a power by an accredited financial investigator [F242 who does not fall within any of the preceding paragraphs], an accredited financial investigator who falls within a description specified in an order made for this purpose by the Secretary of State [F243 or the Welsh Ministers] under section 453.

(4) A senior police officer means a police officer of at least the rank of inspector.

Textual Amendments

F238 S. 47G(3)(aa) inserted (22.11.2014) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 21 para. 17 (with Sch. 21 para. 40); S.I. 2014/3098, art. 2(e)

F239 S. 47G(3)(ab) inserted (1.3.2016) by Serious Crime Act 2015 (c. 9), ss. 13(2), 88(1); S.I. 2016/148, reg. 3(a)

F240 S. 47G(3)(ac) inserted (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 31.1.2018 in so far as not already in force) by Criminal Finances Act 2017 (c. 22), s. 58(1)(6), Sch. 1 para. 4; S.I. 2018/78, reg. 3(aa)

F241 S. 47G(3)(ba) inserted (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 31.1.2018 in so far as not already in force) by Criminal Finances Act 2017 (c. 22), ss. 31(2), 58(1)(6); S.I. 2018/78, reg. 3(n)

F242 Words in s. 47G(3)(c) inserted (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 31.1.2018 in so far as not already in force) by Criminal Finances Act 2017 (c. 22), s. 58(5)(6), Sch. 5 para. 21; S.I. 2018/78, reg. 5(1)(e)

F243 Words in s. 47G(3)(c) inserted (1.4.2018) by The Tax Collection and Management (Wales) Act 2016 (Consequential and Supplemental Provisions) Regulations 2018 (S.I. 2018/285), regs. 1(2), 5(b)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C24 S. 47G(3)(c) modified (1.4.2018) by The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (References to Welsh Revenue Authority Financial Investigators) Order 2018 (S.I. 2018/196), arts. 1(2), 4, Sch. para. 9

47H Exercise of powers without judicial approval E+W

(1) An appropriate officer must give a written report to the appointed person in any case where—

(a) the officer seizes property under section 47C without the approval of a justice of the peace, and

(b) any of the property seized is not detained for more than 48 hours.

(2) An appropriate officer must also give a written report to the appointed person in any case where—

(a) the officer exercises any of the powers conferred by sections 47D, 47E and 47F without the approval of a justice of the peace, and

(b) no property is seized under section 47C.

(3) A report under this section must give particulars of the circumstances which led the officer to believe that—

(a) the powers were exercisable, and

(b) it was not practicable to obtain the approval of a justice of the peace.

(4) The appointed person means a person appointed for the purposes of this subsection by the Secretary of State.

(5) The appointed person must not be a person employed under or for the purposes of a government department; and the terms and conditions of appointment, including any remuneration or expenses to be paid, are to be determined by the Secretary of State.

(6) The period of 48 hours mentioned in subsection (1)(b) is to be calculated in accordance with subsection (7).

(7) In calculating a period of 48 hours in accordance with this subsection, no account is to be taken of—

(a) any Saturday or Sunday,

(b) Christmas Day,

(c) Good Friday, or

(d) any day that is a bank holiday under the Banking and Financial Dealings Act 1971 in England and Wales.

47I Report by appointed person on exercise of powers E+W

(1) As soon as possible after the end of each financial year, the person appointed under section 47H(4) must prepare a report for that year.

(2) “Financial year” means—

(a) the period beginning with the day on which section 55 of the Policing and Crime Act 2009 comes into force and ending with the next 31 March (which is the first financial year), and

(b) each subsequent period of twelve months beginning with 1 April.

(3) The report must give the appointed person's opinion as to the circumstances and manner in which the powers conferred by sections 47C, 47D, 47E and 47F are being exercised in cases where the officer who exercised them is required to give a report under section 47H.

(4) The report may make any recommendations the appointed person considers appropriate.

(5) The appointed person must send a copy of the report to the Secretary of State.

(6) The Secretary of State must—

(a) publish any report received under subsection (5), and

(b) lay a copy before Parliament.

(7) Before acting under subsection (6) the Secretary of State must exclude from the report any matter which the Secretary of State thinks is likely to prejudice any criminal investigation or criminal proceedings.

(8) If the Secretary of State excludes any matter from the report the Secretary of State must comply with subsection (6) in relation to the whole of the report as soon as the Secretary of State thinks that the excluded matter is no longer likely to prejudice any criminal investigation or criminal proceedings.

47J Initial detention of seized property E+W

(1) This section applies if an appropriate officer seizes property under section 47C.

(2) The property may be detained initially for a period of 48 hours.

(3) The period of 48 hours is to be calculated in accordance with section 47H(7).

47K Further detention pending making of restraint order E+W

(1) This section applies if—

(a) property is detained under section 47J, and

(b) no restraint order is in force in respect of the property.

(2) If within the period mentioned in section 47J an application is made for a restraint order which includes provision under section 41A authorising detention of the property, the property may be detained until the application is determined or otherwise disposed of.

(3) If such an application is made within that period and the application is refused, the property may be detained until there is no further possibility of an appeal against—

(a) the decision to refuse the application, or

(b) any decision made on an appeal against that decision.

(4) In subsection (2) the reference to the period mentioned in section 47J includes that period as extended by any order under section 47M.

[F244 (5) Exempt property seized under section 47C(5A) may be detained under subsections (2) and (3) only with the approval of a senior officer.

(6) In subsection (5)—

• “exempt property” has the meaning given in section 47C(4) (reading references there to the defendant as references to the person by whom the property is held);

• “senior officer” has the meaning given in section 47G(3) (and for this purpose, the powers under subsections (2) and (3) to detain property are to be treated as exercised by the appropriate officer who seized the property).]

Textual Amendments

F244 S. 47K(5)(6) inserted (26.10.2023 for specified purposes, 26.4.2024 in so far as not already in force) by Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (c. 56), s. 219(1)(2)(b), Sch. 8 para. 5; S.I. 2024/269, reg. 4(a)

47L Further detention pending variation of restraint order E+W

(1) This section applies if—

(a) property is detained under section 47J,

(b) a restraint order is in force in respect of the property, and

(c) the order does not include provision under section 41A authorising the detention of the property.

(2) If within the period mentioned in section 47J an application is made for the order to be varied so as to include provision under section 41A authorising detention of the property, the property may be detained until the application is determined or otherwise disposed of.

(3) If such an application is made within that period and the application is refused, the property may be detained until there is no further possibility of an appeal against—

(a) the decision to refuse the application, or

(b) any decision made on an appeal against that decision.

[F245 (4) Exempt property seized under section 47C(5A) may be detained under subsections (2) and (3) only with the approval of a senior officer.

(5) In subsection (4)—

• “exempt property” has the meaning given in section 47C(4) (reading references there to the defendant as references to the person by whom the property is held);

• “senior officer” has the meaning given in section 47G(3) (and for this purpose, the powers under subsections (2) and (3) to detain property are to be treated as exercised by the appropriate officer who seized the property).]

Textual Amendments

F245 S. 47L(4)(5) inserted (26.10.2023 for specified purposes, 26.4.2024 in so far as not already in force) by Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (c. 56), s. 219(1)(2)(b), Sch. 8 para. 6; S.I. 2024/269, reg. 4(a)

47M Further detention in other cases E+W

(1) This section applies if—

(a) property is detained under section 47J,

(b) no restraint order is in force in respect of the property, and

(c) no application has been made for a restraint order which includes provision under section 41A authorising detention of the property.

(2) A magistrates' court may by order extend the period for which the property or any part of it may be detained under section 47J if satisfied that—

(a) any of the conditions in section 47B is met (reading references in that section to the officer as references to the court),

(b) the property or part is realisable property other than exempt property F246 ..., and

(c) there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that—

(i) the property may otherwise be made unavailable for satisfying any confiscation order that has been or may be made against the defendant, or

(ii) the value of the property may otherwise be diminished as a result of conduct by the defendant or any other person.

[F247 (2A) A magistrates’ court may by order extend the period for which the property may be detained under section 47J if satisfied that—

(a) any of the conditions in section 47B is met (reading references in that section to the officer as references to the court),

(b) the property is free property, and

(c) there are reasonable grounds for suspecting that the property is a cryptoasset-related item.

(2B) An order under subsection (2A) may not be made in respect of exempt property unless the court is satisfied that the person applying for the order is working diligently and expeditiously—

(a) to determine whether the property is a cryptoasset-related item, or

(b) if it has already been determined to be such an item, to seize any related cryptoassets under section 47C(1).

(2C) An order under subsection (2A) may not extend the period for which the property may be detained beyond the period of—

(a) six months beginning with the date of the order, or

(b) in the case of exempt property, 14 days beginning with that date.

This does not prevent the period from being further extended by another order under this section.

(2D) The period of 14 days referred to in subsection (2C)(b) is to be calculated in accordance with section 47H(7) (reading the reference there to 48 hours as a reference to 14 days).]

(3) An application for an order may be made by—

(a) the Commissioners for Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs,

[F248 (aa) an immigration officer;]

(b) a constable,

[F249 (ba) an SFO officer,]

(c) an accredited financial investigator, or

(d) the prosecutor.

(4) If the property was seized in reliance on the first or second condition in section 47B, “the prosecutor” means a person who is to have conduct of any proceedings for the offence.

(5) An order under this section must provide for notice to be given to persons affected by it.

(6) In this section—

• [F250 “exempt property” has the meaning given in section 47C(4) (reading references there to the defendant as references to the person by whom the property is held);]

• “part” includes portion.

Textual Amendments

F246 Words in s. 47M(2)(b) omitted (26.10.2023 for specified purposes, 26.4.2024 in so far as not already in force) by virtue of Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (c. 56), s. 219(1)(2)(b), Sch. 8 para. 7(2); S.I. 2024/269, reg. 4(a)

F247 S. 47M(2A)-(2D) inserted (26.10.2023 for specified purposes, 26.4.2024 in so far as not already in force) by Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (c. 56), s. 219(1)(2)(b), Sch. 8 para. 7(3); S.I. 2024/269, reg. 4(a)

F248 S. 47M(3)(aa) inserted (22.11.2014) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 21 para. 18 (with Sch. 21 para. 40); S.I. 2014/3098, art. 2(e)

F249 S. 47M(3)(ba) inserted (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 31.1.2018 in so far as not already in force) by Criminal Finances Act 2017 (c. 22), s. 58(1)(6), Sch. 1 para. 5; S.I. 2018/78, reg. 3(aa)

F250 Words in s. 47M(6) inserted (26.10.2023 for specified purposes, 26.4.2024 in so far as not already in force) by Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (c. 56), s. 219(1)(2)(b), Sch. 8 para. 7(4); S.I. 2024/269, reg. 4(a)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C25 S. 47M(3)(c) modified (1.4.2018) by The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (References to Welsh Revenue Authority Financial Investigators) Order 2018 (S.I. 2018/196), arts. 1(2), 3, Sch. para. 2

47N Discharge, variation and lapse of detention order E+W

(1) An order under section 47M may be discharged or varied.

(2) An application for variation or discharge of the order may be made by—

(a) a person mentioned in section 47M(3), or

(b) any person affected by the order.

(3) On an application under this section the court must discharge the order if—

(a) the order was made on the ground that the first or second condition in section 47B was met but proceedings for the offence mentioned in that condition have not been started within a reasonable time,

(b) the order was made on the ground that the third or fourth condition in section 47B was met but proceedings for the offence mentioned in that condition have now been concluded,

(c) the order was made on the ground that the fifth, sixth or seventh condition in section 47B was met but the application mentioned in that condition has now been concluded or, as the case may be, has not been made within a reasonable time.

(4) An order made under section 47M lapses if a restraint order is made in respect of the property to which it relates (but provision authorising detention of the property may have been included in the restraint order by virtue of section 41A).

47O Appeals E+W

(1) If on an application for an order under section 47M the magistrates' court decides not to make an order, a person mentioned in subsection (3) of that section may appeal to the Crown Court against the decision.

(2) If an application is made under section 47N in relation to an order the following persons may appeal to the Crown Court in respect of the magistrates' court's decision on the application—

(a) a person mentioned in section 47M(3), or

(b) any person affected by the order.

47P Detention of property pending section 47O appeal E+W

(1) This section applies where—

(a) an application for an order under section 47M is made within the period mentioned in section 47J, and

(b) the application is refused.

(2) This section also applies where—

(a) an order is made under section 47M extending the period for which property may be detained under section 47J, and

(b) the order is discharged or varied so that detention of the property is no longer authorised by virtue of the order.

(3) The property may be detained until there is no further possibility of an appeal against the decision to refuse the application or discharge or vary the order (as the case may be).

47Q Hearsay evidence in detention order proceedings E+W

(1) Evidence must not be excluded in detention order proceedings on the ground that it is hearsay (of whatever degree).

(2) Sections 2 to 4 of the Civil Evidence Act 1995 apply in relation to detention order proceedings as those sections apply in relation to civil proceedings.

(3) Detention order proceedings are proceedings—

(a) for an order under section 47M;

(b) for the discharge or variation of such an order;

(c) on an appeal under section 47O.

(4) Hearsay is a statement which is made otherwise than by a person while giving oral evidence in the proceedings and which is tendered as evidence of the matters stated.

(5) Nothing in this section affects the admissibility of evidence which is admissible apart from this section.

47R Release of property E+W

(1) This section applies in relation to property which—

(a) has been seized by an appropriate officer under section 47C, and

(b) is detained under or by virtue of any of sections 47J to 47M and 47P.

(2) The property must be released if at any time an appropriate officer decides that the detention condition is no longer met.

(3) The detention condition is met for so long as—

(a) any of the conditions in section 47B is met, and

(b) there are reasonable grounds for the suspicion mentioned in section 47C(1) [F251 or (5A)].

(4) Nothing in this section requires property to be released if there is a power to detain it otherwise than under or by virtue of sections 47J to 47M and 47P.

(5) Nothing in this section affects the operation of any power or duty to release property that arises apart from this section.

[F252 (6) If a cryptoasset-related item which has been released is not claimed within the period of a year beginning with the date on which it was released, the appropriate officer may—

(a) retain the item and deal with it as they see fit,

(b) dispose of the item, or

(c) destroy the item.

(7) The powers in subsection (6) may be exercised only—

(a) where the appropriate officer has taken reasonable steps to notify—

(i) the person from whom the item was seized, and

(ii) any other persons who the appropriate officer has reasonable grounds to believe have an interest in the item,

that the item has been released, and

(b) with the approval of a senior officer.

(8) “Senior officer” in subsection (7)(b) has the meaning given in section 47G(3).

(9) Any proceeds of a disposal of the item are to be paid into the Consolidated Fund.]]

Textual Amendments

F251 Words in s. 47R(3)(b) inserted (26.10.2023 for specified purposes, 26.4.2024 in so far as not already in force) by Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (c. 56), s. 219(1)(2)(b), Sch. 8 para. 4; S.I. 2024/269, reg. 4(a)

F252 S. 47R(6)-(9) inserted (26.10.2023 for specified purposes, 26.4.2024 in so far as not already in force) by Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (c. 56), s. 219(1)(2)(b), Sch. 8 para. 8; S.I. 2024/269, reg. 4(a)

[F224 Code of practice about search and seizure and detention of property E+W

47S Codes of practice E+W

(1) The Secretary of State must make a code of practice in connection with—

(a) the carrying out by appropriate officers of the functions conferred by sections 47C to 47H,

(b) the carrying out by senior officers of their functions under section 47G, and

(c) the detention of property under or by virtue of sections 41A, 44A and 47J to 47P.

(2) Where the Secretary of State proposes to issue a code of practice the Secretary of State must—

(a) publish a draft,

(b) consider any representations made about the draft,

(c) if the Secretary of State thinks appropriate, modify the draft in the light of any such representations.

[F253 (2A) The Secretary of State must also consult the Attorney General about the draft in its application to the exercise of powers by SFO officers and the Director of the Serious Fraud Office.]

(3) The Secretary of State must lay a draft of the code before Parliament.

(4) When the Secretary of State has laid a draft of the code before Parliament the Secretary of State may bring it into operation by order.

(5) The Secretary of State may revise the whole or any part of the code and issue the code as revised; and subsections (2) to (4) apply to such a revised code as they apply to the original code.

(6) A failure by a person to comply with a provision of the code does not of itself make the person liable to criminal or civil proceedings.

(7) The code is admissible in evidence in criminal or civil proceedings and is to be taken into account by a court or tribunal in any case in which it appears to the court or tribunal to be relevant.]

Textual Amendments

F253 S. 47S(2A) inserted (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 31.10.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Criminal Finances Act 2017 (c. 22), s. 58(1)(6), Sch. 1 para. 6; S.I. 2017/991, reg. 2(k)

Management receivers E+W

48 Appointment E+W

(1) Subsection (2) applies if—

(a) the Crown Court makes a restraint order, and

(b) the applicant for the restraint order applies to the court to proceed under subsection (2) (whether as part of the application for the restraint order or at any time afterwards).

(2) The Crown Court may by order appoint a receiver in respect of any realisable property to which the restraint order applies.

Commencement Information

I43 S. 48 in force at 24.3.2003 by S.I. 2003/333, art. 2, Sch.

49 Powers E+W

(1) If the court appoints a receiver under section 48 it may act under this section on the application of the person who applied for the restraint order.

(2) The court may by order confer on the receiver the following powers in relation to any realisable property to which the restraint order applies—

(a) power to take possession of the property;

(b) power to manage or otherwise deal with the property;

(c) power to start, carry on or defend any legal proceedings in respect of the property;

(d) power to realise so much of the property as is necessary to meet the receiver’s remuneration and expenses.

(3) The court may by order confer on the receiver power to enter any premises in England and Wales and to do any of the following—

(a) search for or inspect anything authorised by the court;

(b) make or obtain a copy, photograph or other record of anything so authorised;

(c) remove anything which the receiver is required or authorised to take possession of in pursuance of an order of the court.

(4) The court may by order authorise the receiver to do any of the following for the purpose of the exercise of his functions—

(a) hold property;

(b) enter into contracts;

(c) sue and be sued;

(d) employ agents;

(e) execute powers of attorney, deeds or other instruments;

(f) take any other steps the court thinks appropriate.

(5) The court may order any person who has possession of realisable property to which the restraint order applies to give possession of it to the receiver.

(6) The court—

(a) may order a person holding an interest in realisable property to which the restraint order applies to make to the receiver such payment as the court specifies in respect of a beneficial interest held by the defendant or the recipient of a tainted gift;

(b) may (on the payment being made) by order transfer, grant or extinguish any interest in the property.

(7) Subsections (2), (5) and (6) do not apply to property for the time being subject to a charge under any of these provisions—

(a) section 9 of the Drug Trafficking Offences Act 1986 (c. 32);

(b) section 78 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 (c. 33);

(c) Article 14 of the Criminal Justice (Confiscation) (Northern Ireland) Order 1990 (S.I. 1990/2588 (N.I. 17));

(d) section 27 of the Drug Trafficking Act 1994 (c. 37);

(e) Article 32 of the Proceeds of Crime (Northern Ireland) Order 1996 (S.I. 1996/1299 (N.I. 9)).

(8) The court must not—

(a) confer the power mentioned in subsection (2)(b) or (d) in respect of property, or

(b) exercise the power conferred on it by subsection (6) in respect of property,

unless it gives persons holding interests in the property a reasonable opportunity to make representations to it.

[F254 (8A) Subsection (8), so far as relating to the power mentioned in subsection (2)(b), does not apply to property which—

(a) is perishable; or

(b) ought to be disposed of before its value diminishes.]

(9) The court may order that a power conferred by an order under this section is subject to such conditions and exceptions as it specifies.

(10) Managing or otherwise dealing with property includes—

(a) selling the property or any part of it or interest in it;

(b) carrying on or arranging for another person to carry on any trade or business the assets of which are or are part of the property;

(c) incurring capital expenditure in respect of the property.

Textual Amendments

F254 S. 49(8A) inserted (6.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), ss. 82(1), 94(1); S.I. 2008/755, art. 17(1)(h) (with art. 17(3))

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C26 S. 49(6) excluded (24.2.2003) by Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (Enforcement in different parts of the United Kingdom) Order 2002 (S.I. 2002/3133), arts. 1, 12(3)

Commencement Information

I44 S. 49 in force at 24.3.2003 by S.I. 2003/333, art. 2, Sch.

Enforcement receivers E+W

50 Appointment E+W

(1) This section applies if—

(a) a confiscation order is made,

(b) it is not satisfied, and

(c) it is not subject to appeal.

(2) On the application of the prosecutor the Crown Court may by order appoint a receiver in respect of realisable property.

Commencement Information

I45 S. 50 in force at 24.3.2003 by S.I. 2003/333, art. 2, Sch.

51 Powers E+W

(1) If the court appoints a receiver under section 50 it may act under this section on the application of the prosecutor.

(2) The court may by order confer on the receiver the following powers in relation to the realisable property—

(a) power to take possession of the property;

(b) power to manage or otherwise deal with the property;

(c) power to realise the property, in such manner as the court may specify;

(d) power to start, carry on or defend any legal proceedings in respect of the property.

[F255 (e) so far as the property consists of cryptoassets, power to destroy the property.]

(3) The court may by order confer on the receiver power to enter any premises in England and Wales and to do any of the following—

(a) search for or inspect anything authorised by the court;

(b) make or obtain a copy, photograph or other record of anything so authorised;

(c) remove anything which the receiver is required or authorised to take possession of in pursuance of an order of the court.

(4) The court may by order authorise the receiver to do any of the following for the purpose of the exercise of his functions—

(a) hold property;

(b) enter into contracts;

(c) sue and be sued;

(d) employ agents;

(e) execute powers of attorney, deeds or other instruments;

(f) take any other steps the court thinks appropriate.

(5) The court may order any person who has possession of realisable property to give possession of it to the receiver.

(6) The court—

(a) may order a person holding an interest in realisable property to make to the receiver such payment as the court specifies in respect of a beneficial interest held by the defendant or the recipient of a tainted gift;

(b) may (on the payment being made) by order transfer, grant or extinguish any interest in the property.

(7) Subsections (2), (5) and (6) do not apply to property for the time being subject to a charge under any of these provisions—

(a) section 9 of the Drug Trafficking Offences Act 1986 (c. 32);

(b) section 78 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 (c. 33);

(c) Article 14 of the Criminal Justice (Confiscation) (Northern Ireland) Order 1990 (S.I. 1990/2588 (N.I. 17));

(d) section 27 of the Drug Trafficking Act 1994 (c. 37);

(e) Article 32 of the Proceeds of Crime (Northern Ireland) Order 1996 (S.I. 1996/1299 (N.I. 9)).

(8) The court must not—

(a) confer the power mentioned in subsection (2)(b) [F256 , (c) or (e)] in respect of property, or

(b) exercise the power conferred on it by subsection (6) in respect of property,

unless it gives persons holding interests in the property a reasonable opportunity to make representations to it.

[F257 (8A) Subsection (8), so far as relating to the power mentioned in subsection (2)(b), does not apply to property which—

(a) is perishable; or

(b) ought to be disposed of before its value diminishes.]

[F258 (8B) Representations that a person is entitled to make by virtue of subsection (8) do not include representations that are inconsistent with a determination made under section 10A, unless—

(a) the person was not given a reasonable opportunity to make representations when the determination was made and has not appealed against the determination, or

(b) it appears to the court that there would be a serious risk of injustice to the person if the court was bound by the determination;

and the determination does not bind the court if paragraph (a) or (b) applies.]

(9) The court may order that a power conferred by an order under this section is subject to such conditions and exceptions as it specifies.

[F259 (9A) The court may confer the power mentioned in subsection (2)(e) only where—

(a) it is not reasonably practicable to realise the cryptoassets in question, or

(b) there are reasonable grounds to believe that the realisation of the cryptoassets would be contrary to the public interest, having regard in particular to how likely it is that the entry of the cryptoassets into general circulation would facilitate criminal conduct by any person.

(9B) An order conferring that power—

(a) must set out the court’s assessment of the market value of the cryptoassets to which it relates;

(b) may confer power to destroy the cryptoassets only to the extent that their market value, as set out in the order, is less than or equal to the amount remaining to be paid under the confiscation order.

(9C) If the receiver destroys any cryptoassets in the exercise of that power, the defendant is to be treated as having paid, towards satisfaction of the confiscation order, an amount equal to the market value, as set out in the order, of the cryptoassets which have been destroyed.]

(10) Managing or otherwise dealing with property includes—

(a) selling the property or any part of it or interest in it;

(b) carrying on or arranging for another person to carry on any trade or business the assets of which are or are part of the property;

(c) incurring capital expenditure in respect of the property.

Textual Amendments

F255 S. 51(2)(e) inserted (26.10.2023 for specified purposes, 26.4.2024 in so far as not already in force) by Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (c. 56), s. 219(1)(2)(b), Sch. 8 para. 10(2); S.I. 2024/269, reg. 4(a)

F256 Words in s. 51(8)(a) substituted (26.10.2023 for specified purposes, 26.4.2024 in so far as not already in force) by Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (c. 56), s. 219(1)(2)(b), Sch. 8 para. 10(3); S.I. 2024/269, reg. 4(a)

F257 S. 51(8A) inserted (6.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), ss. 82(2), 94(1); S.I. 2008/755, art. 17(1)(h) (with art. 17(3))

F258 S. 51(8B) inserted (1.6.2015) by Serious Crime Act 2015 (c. 9), ss. 4, 88(1); S.I. 2015/820, reg. 3(a)

F259 S. 51(9A)-(9C) inserted (26.10.2023 for specified purposes, 26.4.2024 in so far as not already in force) by Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 (c. 56), s. 219(1)(2)(b), Sch. 8 para. 10(4); S.I. 2024/269, reg. 4(a)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C27 S. 51(6) excluded (24.2.2003) by Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (Enforcement in different parts of the United Kingdom) Order 2002 (S.I. 2002/3133), arts. 1, 12(3)

Commencement Information

I46 S. 51 in force at 24.3.2003 by S.I. 2003/333, art. 2, Sch.

Director’s receivers E+W

F260 52 Appointment E+W

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Textual Amendments

F260 S. 52 repealed (1.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), s. 94(1), Sch. 8 para. 24, Sch. 14; S.I. 2008/755, art. 2(1)(a)(d) (with arts. 3-14)

F261 53 Powers E+W

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Textual Amendments

F261 S. 53 repealed (1.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), s. 94(1), Sch. 8 para. 24, Sch. 14; S.I. 2008/755, art. 2(1)(a)(d) (with arts. 3-14)

Application of sums E+W

54 Enforcement receivers E+W

(1) This section applies to sums which are in the hands of a receiver appointed under section 50 if they are—

(a) the proceeds of the realisation of property under section 51;

(b) sums (other than those mentioned in paragraph (a)) in which the defendant holds an interest.

(2) The sums must be applied as follows—

(a) first, they must be applied in payment of such expenses incurred by a person acting as an insolvency practitioner as are payable under this subsection by virtue of section 432;

(b) second, they must be applied in making any payments directed by the Crown Court;

(c) third, they must be applied on the defendant’s behalf towards satisfaction of the confiscation order.

(3) If the amount payable under the confiscation order has been fully paid and any sums remain in the receiver’s hands he must distribute them—

(a) among such persons who held (or hold) interests in the property concerned as the Crown Court directs, and

(b) in such proportions as it directs.

(4) Before making a direction under subsection (3) the court must give persons who held (or hold) interests in the property concerned a reasonable opportunity to make representations to it.

(5) For the purposes of subsections (3) and (4) the property concerned is—

(a) the property represented by the proceeds mentioned in subsection (1)(a);

(b) the sums mentioned in subsection (1)(b).

(6) The receiver applies sums as mentioned in subsection (2)(c) by paying them to the appropriate [F262 designated officer] on account of the amount payable under the order.

(7) The appropriate [F262 designated officer] is the one for the magistrates’ court responsible for enforcing the confiscation order as if the amount ordered to be paid were a fine.

Textual Amendments

F262 Words in s. 54(6)(7) substituted (1.4.2005) by Courts Act 2003 (c. 39), s. 110(1), Sch. 8 para. 407; S.I. 2005/910, art. 3(y)

Commencement Information

I47 S. 54 in force at 24.3.2003 by S.I. 2003/333, art. 2, Sch.

55 Sums received by [F263 designated officer] E+W

(1) This section applies if a [F263 designated officer] receives sums on account of the amount payable under a confiscation order (whether the sums are received under section 54 or otherwise).

(2) The [F264 designated officer's] receipt of the sums reduces the amount payable under the order, but he must apply the sums received as follows.

(3) First he must apply them in payment of such expenses incurred by a person acting as an insolvency practitioner as—

(a) are payable under this subsection by virtue of section 432, but

(b) are not already paid under section 54(2)(a) [F265 or 67D(2)(a)] .

(4) If the [F263 designated officer] received the sums under section 54 [F266 or 67D] he must next apply them—

(a) first, in payment of the remuneration and expenses of a receiver appointed under section 48, to the extent that they have not been met by virtue of the exercise by that receiver of a power conferred under section 49(2)(d);

(b) second, in payment of the remuneration and expenses of [F267 any receiver] appointed under section 50.

[F268 (c) third, in payment to an appropriate officer of any amount to which the officer is entitled by virtue of section 67B.]

(5) If a direction was made under section 13(6) for [F269 an amount payable under a priority order (or orders)] to be paid out of sums recovered under the confiscation order, the [F263 designated officer] must next apply the sums in payment of that amount.

(6) If any amount remains after the [F263 designated officer] makes any payments required by the preceding provisions of this section, the amount must be treated for the purposes of [F270 section 38 of the Courts Act 2003] (application of fines etc) as if it were a fine imposed by a magistrates’ court.

[F271 (7) Subsection (4) does not apply in relation to the remuneration of a receiver if the receiver is a person falling within subsection (8).

(8) The following fall within this subsection—

(a) a constable,

[F272 (aa) a member of a police and crime commissioner's staff (within the meaning of Part 1 of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011),

(ab) a member of the staff of the Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime (within the meaning of that Part of that Act),

(ac) a member of the civilian staff of a police force, including the metropolitan police force, (within the meaning of that Part of that Act),]

(b) F273 ... a member of staff of the City of London police force,

(c) an accredited financial investigator,

(d) a member of staff of the Crown Prosecution Service,

(e) a member of staff of the Serious Fraud Office,

F274 (f) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(g) a member of staff of the Commissioners for Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs,

[F275 (h) a National Crime Agency officer,]

(i) a member of staff of any government department not mentioned above.

(9) It is immaterial for the purposes of subsection (7) whether a person falls within subsection (8) by virtue of a permanent or temporary appointment or a secondment from elsewhere.

(10) The reference in subsection (8) to an accredited financial investigator is a reference to an accredited financial investigator who falls within a description specified in an order made for the purposes of that subsection by the Secretary of State under section 453.]

Textual Amendments

F263 Words in s. 55 substituted (1.4.2005) by Courts Act 2003 (c. 39), s. 110(1), Sch. 8 para. 408(1)(2); S.I. 2005/910, art. 3(y)

F264 Words in s. 55(2) substituted (1.4.2005) by Courts Act 2003 (c. 39), s. 110(1), Sch. 8 para. 408(1)(3); S.I. 2005/910, art. 3(y)

F265 Words in s. 55(3)(b) inserted (1.6.2015) by Policing and Crime Act 2009 (c. 26), ss. 58(4), 116(1); S.I. 2015/983, art. 2(2)(a)

F266 Words in s. 55(4) inserted (1.6.2015) by Policing and Crime Act 2009 (c. 26), ss. 58(5)(a), 116(1); S.I. 2015/983, art. 2(2)(a)

F267 Words in s. 55(4)(b) substituted (1.6.2015) by Policing and Crime Act 2009 (c. 26), ss. 58(5)(b), 116(1); S.I. 2015/983, art. 2(2)(a)

F268 S. 55(4)(c) inserted (1.6.2015) by Policing and Crime Act 2009 (c. 26), ss. 58(5)(c), 116(1); S.I. 2015/983, art. 2(2)(a)

F269 Words in s. 55(5) substituted (1.6.2015) by Serious Crime Act 2015 (c. 9), s. 88(1), Sch. 4 para. 33; S.I. 2015/820, reg. 3(q)(iii)

F270 Words in s. 55(6) substituted (1.4.2005) by Courts Act 2003 (c. 39), s. 110(1), Sch. 8 para. 408(1)(4); S.I. 2005/910, art. 3(y)

F271 S. 55(7)-(10) substituted for s. 55(7) (25.1.2010) by Policing and Crime Act 2009 (c. 26), ss. 51(2), 116(1); S.I. 2009/3096, art. 3(f)

F272 S. 55(8)(aa)-(ac) inserted (16.1.2012) by Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (c. 13), s. 157(1), Sch. 16 para. 305(a); S.I. 2011/3019, art. 3, Sch. 1

F273 Words in s. 55(8)(b) omitted (16.1.2012) by virtue of Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 (c. 13), s. 157(1), Sch. 16 para. 305(b); S.I. 2011/3019, art. 3, Sch. 1

F274 S. 55(8)(f) omitted (27.3.2014) by virtue of The Public Bodies (Merger of the Director of Public Prosecutions and the Director of Revenue and Customs Prosecutions) Order 2014 (S.I. 2014/834), art. 1(1), Sch. 2 para. 22

F275 S. 55(8)(h) substituted (7.10.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 8 para. 113; S.I. 2013/1682, art. 3(v)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C28 S. 55(8)(aa) applied (with modifications) (8.5.2017) by The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (Transfer of Police and Crime Commissioner Functions to the Mayor) Order 2017 (S.I. 2017/470), arts. 1(2), 3(2), Sch. 1 para. 12(2)

C29 S. 55(8)(aa) applied (with modifications) (20.12.2023) by The York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority Order 2023 (S.I. 2023/1432), arts. 1(2), 33(2), Sch. 5 para. 12(2)

Commencement Information

I48 S. 55 in force at 24.3.2003 by S.I. 2003/333, art. 2, Sch.

F276 56 Director’s receivers E+W

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Textual Amendments

F276 S. 56 repealed (1.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), s. 94(1), Sch. 8 para. 25, Sch. 14; S.I. 2008/755, art. 2(1)(a)(d) (with arts. 3-14)

F277 57 Sums received by Director E+W

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Textual Amendments

F277 S. 57 repealed (1.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), s. 94(1), Sch. 8 para. 25, Sch. 14; S.I. 2008/755, art. 2(1)(a)(d) (with arts. 3-14)

Restrictions E+W

58 Restraint orders E+W

(1) Subsections (2) to (4) apply if a court makes a restraint order.

(2) No distress may be levied [F278 , and no power to use the procedure in Schedule 12 to the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007 (taking control of goods) may be exercised,] against any realisable property to which the order applies except with the leave of the Crown Court and subject to any terms the Crown Court may impose.

(3) If the order applies to a tenancy of any premises, no landlord or other person to whom rent is payable may exercise a right within subsection (4) except with the leave of the Crown Court and subject to any terms the Crown Court may impose.

(4) A right is within this subsection if it is a right of forfeiture by peaceable re-entry in relation to the premises in respect of any failure by the tenant to comply with any term or condition of the tenancy.

(5) If a court in which proceedings are pending in respect of any property is satisfied that a restraint order has been applied for or made in respect of the property, the court may either stay the proceedings or allow them to continue on any terms it thinks fit.

(6) Before exercising any power conferred by subsection (5), the court must give an opportunity to be heard to—

(a) the applicant for the restraint order, and

(b) any receiver appointed in respect of the property under section 48[F279 or 50].

Textual Amendments

F278 Words in s. 58(2) inserted (6.4.2014) by Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007 (c. 15), s. 148, Sch. 13 para. 143 (with s. 89); S.I. 2014/768, art. 2(1)(b)

F279 Words in s. 58(6)(b) substituted (1.4.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), s. 94(1), Sch. 8 para. 26; S.I. 2008/755, art. 2(1)(a) (with arts. 3-14)

Commencement Information

I49 S. 58 in force at 24.3.2003 by S.I. 2003/333, art. 2, Sch.

59 Enforcement receivers E+W

(1) Subsections (2) to (4) apply if a court makes an order under section 50 appointing a receiver in respect of any realisable property.

(2) No distress may be levied [F280 , and no power to use the procedure in Schedule 12 to the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007 (taking control of goods) may be exercised,] against the property except with the leave of the Crown Court and subject to any terms the Crown Court may impose.

(3) If the receiver is appointed in respect of a tenancy of any premises, no landlord or other person to whom rent is payable may exercise a right within subsection (4) except with the leave of the Crown Court and subject to any terms the Crown Court may impose.

(4) A right is within this subsection if it is a right of forfeiture by peaceable re-entry in relation to the premises in respect of any failure by the tenant to comply with any term or condition of the tenancy.

(5) If a court in which proceedings are pending in respect of any property is satisfied that an order under section 50 appointing a receiver in respect of the property has been applied for or made, the court may either stay the proceedings or allow them to continue on any terms it thinks fit.

(6) Before exercising any power conferred by subsection (5), the court must give an opportunity to be heard to—

(a) the prosecutor, and

(b) the receiver (if the order under section 50 has been made).

Textual Amendments

F280 Words in s. 59(2) inserted (6.4.2014) by Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007 (c. 15), s. 148, Sch. 13 para. 144 (with s. 89); S.I. 2014/768,