Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52)

Valid from 28/03/2009

Part 5 U.K. Investigation, Charging and Mode of Trial

Chapter 2 U.K. Charging and Mode of Trial

Powers of commanding officer or DSP after charge etc U.K.

123 Powers of CO after charge U.K.

(1) This section applies where a charge against a person (“the accused”) is for the time being regarded for the purposes of this Part as allocated for summary hearing.

(2) The accused's commanding officer may—

(a) amend the charge;

(b) substitute for the charge another charge against the accused;

(c) bring an additional charge against the accused;

(d) discontinue proceedings on the charge;

(e) refer the charge to the Director of Service Prosecutions.

(3) The powers under subsection (2) may be exercised before or after the start of any summary hearing of the charge.

(4) Any amended, substituted or additional charge under subsection (2)(a) to (c) must be capable of being heard summarily (see section 52).

(5) Any additional charge brought under subsection (2)(c) must be in respect of the case as respects which the charge mentioned in subsection (1) was brought.

(6) Any amended, substituted or additional charge under subsection (2)(a) to (c) is to be regarded for the purposes of this Part as allocated for summary hearing.

(7) Where a charge is referred under subsection (2)(e) to the Director of Service Prosecutions, the charge and any other charge brought in respect of the same case are to be regarded for the purposes of this Part as allocated for Court Martial trial.