130Magistrates' Court may extend 6-month retention period

130 Magistrates' Court may extend 6-month retention period

(1) An authorised officer or independent investigator may apply to the Magistrates' Court—

(a) within 6 months after seizing a document or 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 of the period for which the authorised officer or independent investigator may retain the document or thing but so the total period of retention does not exceed 2 years.

(2) The Magistrates' Court may order the extension if satisfied that—

(a) it is in the interests of justice; and

(b) the total period of retention does not exceed 2 years; and

(c) retention of the document or thing is necessary for the purposes of an investigation or for use as evidence in a proceeding under this Act.

(3) At least 7 days before the hearing of an application under this section, notice of the application must be given to the owner of the document or thing described in the application*.*