PART 2ANCIENT MONUMENTS ETC

Modifications relating to offences

17Restrictions on use of metal detectors

1

Section 42 of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979 (c.46) (restrictions on use of metal detectors) is amended as follows.

2

In subsection (7), after “an offence under subsection (1) or (3) above” insert “ relating to a protected place situated in England ”.

3

After that subsection insert—

8

In proceedings for an offence under subsection (1) or (3) relating to a protected place situated in Wales, it is a defence for the accused to prove that the accused—

a

had taken all reasonable steps to find out whether the place in which the metal detector was used was a protected place; and

b

did not know, and had no reason to believe, that the place was a protected place.