Defence Forces (Temporary Provisions) Act, 1923 (Continuance and Amendment) Act, 1924

Amendment of section 81 of the Principal Act.

21.—The following section shall be substituted for section 81 of the Principal Act:—

“81.—(1) Where a non-commissioned officer is charged with any of the offences mentioned in section 80 of this Act, the commanding officer of the accused may, if satisfied as to the guilt of the accused and subject to the provisions of section 85 of this Act, summarily award one and one only (save as provided by paragraph (vi) of this sub-section) of the punishments following:—

(i) In the case of offences other than drunkenness, fine not exceeding £3;

(ii) Fines in cases of drunkenness not on duty as follows:—

First offence not exceeding 10s.;

Second offence not exceeding 20s.;

Third and every subsequent offence not exceeding 40s.;

(iii) Deprivation of acting rank;

(iv) Severe reprimand;

(v) Reprimand;

(vi) In addition to or without any other punishment, any deduction from pay authorised by this Act to be made by a commanding officer pursuant to paragraph (c) of section 131 of this Act.

(2)—(a) For the purposes of this sub-section any punishment mentioned in sub-section (1) of this section shall be deemed to be less than any punishment preceding it in the same sub-section.

(b) When a commanding officer has awarded punishment or punishments in accordance with this section, the prescribed officer may mitigate or remit such punishment or punishments or commute or reduce such award for any less punishment or punishments to which the offender might have been sentenced by his commanding officer”