Offences and civil sanctions

Offences under regulations: extended time limit in case of accident investigation etc
55
1
Summary proceedings for an offence under regulations made under this Act may be instituted at any time within 12 months from the commission of the offence if—
a
it was committed in connection with spaceflight activities (including activities to which the Outer Space Act 1986 applies) arising out of which, or in the course of which, an accident occurred, and
b
not more than six months after the commission of the offence—
i
public notice has been given that an investigation into the accident is being carried out in accordance with regulations under section 20, or
ii
the Secretary of State (acting alone or with any government department) has directed that a public inquiry into the accident be held in accordance with those regulations.
2
The fact that a direction has been given as mentioned in subsection (1)(b)(ii) on a particular date may be proved by the production of a certificate to that effect purporting to be signed by an official of the Secretary of State.
3
This section does not affect section 127(2) of the Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 or Article 19(2) of the Magistrates' Courts (Northern Ireland) Order 1981 (no time limit for offences triable either way).
4
In this section “accident” has the same meaning as in section 20.
S. 55(1)-(3) in force at 29.7.2021 by S.I. 2021/817, reg. 2, Sch. para. 93 (with reg. 3)
S. 55(4) in force at 29.7.2021 by S.I. 2021/817, reg. 2, Sch. para. 94 (with reg. 3)