(1)  In this section, the combined limit means $500 or a prescribed amount, whichever is greater.

(2)  Notwithstanding section 5 , if –

(a) a person is convicted at the same time of more than one serious offence; and

(b) the total amount of the compensation levies that the person is liable to pay in respect of those convictions exceeds the combined limit; and

(c) the court that convicted the person is satisfied in the circumstances that the person would suffer financial hardship if required to pay that total amount –

the court, having regard to such matters as it considers appropriate, may order that the total amount of the compensation levies that the person is liable to pay is to be reduced to –

(d) the combined limit; or

(e) such other amount exceeding the combined limit as the court considers reasonable.