187. Power to award compensation

If in any case the Court acquits the accused and is of opinion that the complaint, information or charge was frivolous or vexatious it may, in its discretion, either on the application of the accused or of its own motion, order the complainant or the person on whose information the complainant or charge was made, to pay to the accused or to each or any of the accused where there are more than one such compensation, not exceeding $500, as the Court thinks fit:

The sum so awarded shall be recoverable as if it were a fine;

At the time of awarding compensation in any subsequent civil suit relating to the same matter, the Court shall take into account any sum paid or recovered as compensation under this subsection upon proof of the same.