Section 207: Compensation for loss occasioned by wrongful act or negligence

(1) Without prejudice to the provisions of this Act as to the imposition of stoppage as a punishment, the provisions of subsections (2) and (3) of this section shall have effect where, after such investigation as may be prescribed by Pay Regulations, it appears to the Forces Council, the commander or an officer authorised in Pay Regulations that any loss of or damage to public or service property has been occasioned by a wrongful act or negligence of a person subject to service law under this Act.
(2) The Forces Council, the commander or an authorised officer, as the case may be, may order the person responsible for the wrongful act or negligence to pay as or towards compensation for the loss or damage, such sum as may be specified in the order, and that sum, in so far as it is not otherwise paid by that person, may be deducted from his pay.
(3) No order shall be made under the provisions of subsection (2) of this section if in proceedings before a court-martial or on a summary trial by an appropriate superior authority or a commanding officer, the person responsible for the wrongful act or negligence-
(a) has been acquitted in circumstances involving a finding that he was not guilty of the wrongful act or negligence in question; or
(b) has been awarded stoppages in respect of the same loss or damage,
but except as aforesaid, the fact that those proceedings have been brought in respect of the wrongful act or negligence in question shall not prevent the making of an order or deductions under subsection (2) of this section.