It emerged that the factors involved in granting bail are complex: bail is intended to ensure that an accused returns to court on the appointed date, and is meant to take into account the affordability of the accused. Where the bail amount is small, it does not necessarily mean that the offence is not serious. Magistrates also take into account the seriousness of the offence, the strength of the case against the accused and the personal circumstances of the accused. The number of previous convictions is also taken into account.