141EArrest warrant under section 141A, 141B or 141C may be granted by telephone or audio visual link in certain circumstances

141E Arrest warrant under section 141A, 141B or 141C may be granted by telephone or audio visual link in certain circumstances

(1) An application by the IBAC for an arrest warrant under section 141A(1), 141B(1) or 141C(1) may be made by telephone or audio visual link if the IBAC believes on reasonable grounds that—

(a) the application is urgent; and

(b) the person to be named in the arrest warrant is about to leave the State.

(2) An application made by telephone or audio visual link for an arrest warrant must be supported by—

(a) an affidavit setting out the grounds for an arrest warrant under section 141A(1), 141B(1) or 141C(1), as the case requires, and the grounds for the belief under subsection (1), that is—

(i) sworn or affirmed; or

(ii) if it is not reasonably practicable for the affidavit to be sworn or affirmed, a prepared copy of the affidavit that is not sworn or affirmed; or

(b) if it is not reasonably practicable for an affidavit to be prepared, as much information as the Judge of the Supreme Court deciding the application considers is reasonably practicable in the circumstances, regarding—

(i) the grounds for an arrest warrant under section 141A(1), 141B(1) or 141C(1), as the case requires; and

(ii) the grounds for the belief under subsection (1).

(3) If the IBAC makes an application by telephone or audio visual link for an arrest warrant that is supported by an affidavit (whether or not sworn or affirmed), the IBAC must transmit by electronic communication a copy of the affidavit to the Judge of the Supreme Court deciding the application.

(4) A Judge of the Supreme Court may issue an arrest warrant under section 141A(2), 141B(2) or 141C(2) on an application made by telephone or audio visual link if satisfied that—

(a) the grounds for issuing an arrest warrant under section 141A(2), 141B(2) or 141C(2) are satisfied; and

(b) there are reasonable grounds for the belief under subsection (1).

(5) If a Judge of the Supreme Court issues an arrest warrant under section 141A(2), 141B(2) or 141C(2) on an application made by telephone or audio visual link, the Judge must—

(a) inform the IBAC of the issue of the arrest warrant; and

(b) if practicable, transmit by electronic communication a copy of the arrest warrant to the IBAC.

(6) If it is not practicable to transmit by electronic communication a copy of the arrest warrant to the IBAC, the Judge may direct the IBAC to—

(a) complete a form of arrest warrant in the terms stated to the IBAC by the Judge of the Supreme Court and write on it the name of the Judge and the date on which and the time at which the arrest warrant was issued; and