71—Substitution of section 125
Section 125—delete the section and substitute:
125—Notice of defences
(1) A person who, in
criminal proceedings, intends to rely on the general defence under this Part
or any other defence under this Act may only do so if the person gives notice
in writing of that intention—
(a) if
the proceedings are for a summary offence and have been commenced by an
authorised officer appointed by a council—to the council; or
(b) in
any other case—to the Authority.
(2) A notice under
subsection (1) must be given—
(a) if
the proceedings are for a summary offence—within 28 days after the
summons to answer the charge is served on the person; or
(b) if
the proceedings are for a minor indictable offence where the charge is to be
dealt with in the same way as a charge of a summary offence—not less
than 28 days before the date for hearing of the charge; or
(c) in
any other case—within seven days after the person is committed for
trial.