76Magistrates' Court may extend 3-month period

76 Magistrates' Court may extend 3-month period (1) An authorised person may apply to the Magistrates' Court— (a) within 3 months after seizing a document or other thing under this Part; or (b) if an extension has been granted under this section, before the end of the period of the extension— for an extension (not exceeding 3 months) of the period for which the authorised person may retain the document or thing but so that the total period of retention does not exceed 12 months. (2) The Magistrates' Court may order such an extension if it is satisfied that— (a) it is in the interests of justice; and (b) the total period of retention does not exceed 12 months; and (c) retention of the document or other thing is necessary— (i) for the purposes of an investigation into whether a contravention of this Act or the regulations has occurred; or (ii) to enable evidence of a contravention of this Act or the regulations to be obtained for the purposes of a proceeding under this Act; or (iii) for the purpose of investigating a matter in a notification made under this Act which, if substantiated, may provide grounds for the revocation of a licence or registration. (3) At least 7 days before the hearing of an application under this section, notice of the application must be sent to the owner of the document or thing described in the application.