22. Notice to appear lapses unless charge-sheet filed within 14 days

22. Notice to appear lapses unless charge-sheet filed within 14 days

(1) If a member of the police force or a public official serves a notice to appear on a person, the notice lapses on the expiry of 14 days after service unless, within that period, the member or public official files with a registrar of the Magistrates' Court—

(a) a charge-sheet containing a charge against the person for the suspected offence stated in the notice to appear or a related offence; and

(b) a copy of the notice to appear; and

(c) evidence of service.

(2) Failure to file a charge-sheet in accordance with subsection (1) does not affect the filing of a charge-sheet at any later time.