547Return of things seized

547 Return of things seized (1) A thing seized under this part must be returned to its owner, or reasonable compensation must be paid by the relevant council to the owner for the loss of the thing if either— (a) a prosecution for an offence relating to the thing is not started within the 1-year period; or (b) a prosecution for an offence relating to the thing is started within the 1-year period but the court does not find the offence proved. (2) If anything seized under this part is not required to be returned or reasonable compensation is not required to be paid under subsection (1), the thing— (a) is forfeited to the relevant council; and (b) may be sold, destroyed or otherwise disposed of as the council directs.