Part 5Abuse of position of trust

Mentally disordered persons

47Sexual abuse of trust of a mentally disordered person: defences

1

It is a defence to a charge in proceedings under section 46 that A reasonably believed—

a

that B did not have a mental disorder, or

b

that A was not a person specified in section 46(2).

2

It is a defence to a charge in proceedings under section 46—

a

that B was A's spouse or civil partner, or

b

in a case where A was—

i

a person specified in section 46(2)(a), that immediately before A began to provide care services to B, a sexual relationship existed between A and B,

ii

a person specified in section 46(2)(b), that immediately before B was admitted to the hospital (or other establishment) referred to in that provision or (where B has been admitted to that establishment more than once) was last admitted to it, such a relationship existed.