(1) If a thing has been seized but not forfeited or destroyed under this division, the authorised person must return it to its owner--
(a) at the end of 6 months; or
(b) if a proceeding for an offence involving the thing is started within 6 months, at the end of the proceeding and any appeal from the proceeding.
(2) However, unless the thing has been forfeited or destroyed under this division, the authorised person must immediately return a thing seized as evidence to its owner if the authorised person stops being satisfied its continued retention as evidence is necessary.