496Return of thing seized

496 Return of thing seized (1) A thing seized under this chapter must be returned to its owner, or reasonable compensation must be paid by the Territory to the owner for the loss of the thing, if— (a) an infringement notice for an offence relating to the thing is not served on the owner within 1 year after the day of the seizure and— (i) a prosecution for an offence relating to the thing is not begun within the 1-year period; or (ii) a prosecution for an offence relating to the thing is begun within the 1-year period but the court does not find the offence proved; or

Return and forfeiture of things seized Part 13.7 (b) an infringement notice for an offence relating to the thing is served on the owner within 1 year after the day of the seizure, the infringement notice is withdrawn and— (i) a prosecution for an offence relating to the thing is not begun within the 1-year period; or (ii) a prosecution for an offence relating to the thing is so begun but the court does not find the offence proved; or (c) an infringement notice for an offence relating to the thing is served on the owner and not withdrawn within 1 year after the day of the seizure, liability for the offence is disputed in accordance with the Magistrates Court Act 1930, section 132 and— (i) an information is not laid in the Magistrates Court against the person for the offence within 60 days after the day notice is given under that section that liability is disputed; or (ii) an information is laid in the Magistrates Court against the person for the offence within the 60-day period, but the Magistrates Court does not find the offence proved. (2) If anything seized under this chapter 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 Territory; and (b) may be sold, destroyed or otherwise disposed of as the chief planner directs.