Discharging defendant without punishment

If on the hearing of any complaint it appears to the court that, although the complaint is proved, the offence was, in the particular circumstances of the case, of so trifling a nature that it is inexpedient to inflict any punishment, or any other than a nominal punishment, (a) the court may, without proceeding to a conviction, dismiss the complaint and, if it thinks fit, order the defendant to pay such damages, not exceeding twenty- five dollars, 36 and such costs of the proceedings, or either of them, as the court thinks reasonable, and the damages shall be payable to the person directed by the court; or (b) the court may, upon convicting the defendant, discharge him conditionally on his giving security, with or without a surety or sureties to the satisfaction of the court, to appear for sentence when called upon or to be of good behaviour, and either without payment of damages and costs, or subject to the payment of damages and costs, or either of them, which the court thinks reasonable.