§ 242 — Public Prosecutor may compound offences

242.—(1) The Public Prosecutor may, on such terms and conditions as the Public Prosecutor may determine, at any time compound any offence or class of offences as may be prescribed by collecting from a person who is reasonably suspected of having committed the offence a sum of money not exceeding —(a)

one half of the amount of the maximum fine that is prescribed for the offence; or

(b)

$5,000,

whichever is the lower.

(2) Where any offence is compoundable under this section, the abetment of or a conspiracy to commit the offence, or an attempt to commit the offence when the attempt is itself an offence, may be compounded in like manner.

(3) Where investigations have commenced for an offence which is subsequently compounded under subsection (1), no further proceedings are to be taken against the person reasonably suspected of having committed the offence.

(4) Where after the accused has been charged in court, the offence is compounded under subsection (1), such composition has the effect of an acquittal in respect of the accused.

(5) The Public Prosecutor may authorise in writing one or more Deputy Public Prosecutors to exercise the power of composition conferred on the Public Prosecutor under this section.

(6) The Minister must designate the person who may collect any sum of money paid under this section for the composition of offences.

—(1) The Public Prosecutor may, on such terms and conditions as the Public Prosecutor may determine, at any time compound any offence or class of offences as may be prescribed by collecting from a person who is reasonably suspected of having committed the offence a sum of money not exceeding —(a)

one half of the amount of the maximum fine that is prescribed for the offence; or

(b)

$5,000,

whichever is the lower.

(2) Where any offence is compoundable under this section, the abetment of or a conspiracy to commit the offence, or an attempt to commit the offence when the attempt is itself an offence, may be compounded in like manner.

(3) Where investigations have commenced for an offence which is subsequently compounded under subsection (1), no further proceedings are to be taken against the person reasonably suspected of having committed the offence.

(4) Where after the accused has been charged in court, the offence is compounded under subsection (1), such composition has the effect of an acquittal in respect of the accused.

(5) The Public Prosecutor may authorise in writing one or more Deputy Public Prosecutors to exercise the power of composition conferred on the Public Prosecutor under this section.

(6) The Minister must designate the person who may collect any sum of money paid under this section for the composition of offences.