§ '(1) Subject to subsection (3) below, an article which has been seized under section 19 above may be retained so long as is necessary in all the circumstances.
§ (2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1) above—
- (a) an article may be retained, except as provided by subsection (3) below,—
- (i) for use as evidence at a trial for an offence; or
- (ii) for forensic examination or for other investigation in connection with an offence; and
- (b) an article may be retained in order to establish its lawful owner, where there are reasonable grounds for believing that it has been obtained in consequence of the commission of an offence.
§ (3) An article may not be retained for either of the purposes mentioned in subsection (2)(a) above if a photograph or copy would be sufficient for that purpose.
§ (4) Nothing in this section affects any power of a court to make an order under section 1 of the Police (Property) Act 1897.'.—[Mr. Hurd.]
§ Brought up, read the First and Second time, and added to the Bill.