1984 Ed.]
Evidence
[CAP. 8
17
(4) Where over a period the function of storing, processing or retrieving information for the purposes of any activities carried on over that period was performed by computer, whether-
(a) by a combination of computers operating over that period;
(b) by different computers operating in succession over that period;
(c) by different combinations of computers operating in succession over that period;
(d) in any other manner involving the successive operation over that period, in whatever order, of one or more computers and one or more combinations of computers,
all the computers used for that purpose whether by one or more persons or bodies during that period shall be treated for the purposes of this section as constituting a single computer.
(5) Subject to subsection (6), in any criminal proceedings where it is desired to give a statement in evidence by virtue of this section, a certificate-
(a) identifying the document containing the statement and describing the manner in which it was produced, and explaining, so far as may be relevant in the proceedings, the nature and contents of the document;
(b) giving such particulars of any device involved in the production of that document as may be appropriate for the purpose of showing that the document was produced by a computer;
(c) dealing with any of the matters to which the conditions mentioned in subsection (2) relate,
and purporting to be signed by a person occupying a responsible position in relation to the operation of the relevant device or the management of the relevant activities (whichever is appropriate) shall, on its production without further proof, be admitted in those proceedings as prima facie evidence of any matter stated in the certificate; and for the purposes of this subsection it shall be sufficient for a matter to be stated to the best of the knowledge and belief of the person stating it.
(6) Unless the court otherwise orders, a certificate shall not be admitted in evidence under subsection (5) unless 14 days' notice in writing of the intention to tender such certificate in evidence, together with a copy thereof and of the statement to which it relates, has been served-
(a) where the certificate is tendered by the prosecution, on the defendant (or, if more than one, on each defendant) or his solicitor;
(b) where the certificate is tendered by a defendant, on the Attorney General,