Hong Kong Ordinances

MAGISTRATES ORDINANCE - SECT 18B

Non-appearance of informant or complainant

(1) Where at the hearing the defendant appears, but the complainant or
informant does not appear, the magistrate-

   (a)  shall, if the defendant is brought before him by virtue of a warrant
        and the complainant or informant has not had adequate notice of the
        hearing, adjourn the hearing under section 20; and

   (b)  may, in any other case, dismiss the complaint or information or
        adjourn the hearing under section 20.

(2) Where a complaint or information is dismissed under subsection

(1), the magistrate may order that the complainant or informant shall pay to
the defendant such costs, not exceeding $5000, as the magistrate may think
fit. (Amended 18 of 1981 s. 3) (Added 36 of 1976 s. 5)