Limit on compensation for pecuniary loss
8.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2), compensation in respect of any pecuniary loss shall not (after applying Article 6(2)(b)) exceed 104 times the amount of average weekly industrial earnings multiplied by such factor as is appropriate having regard to the age of the victim and such other matters as are relevant.
(2) Paragraph (1) does not apply where the criminal injury was caused by a person acting on behalf of or in connection with an unlawful association.
(3) Where a senior police officer is of the opinion that any criminal injury was caused by a person acting on behalf of or in connection with an unlawful association he shall, if an applicant makes an application to him, issue to the applicant a certificate in the form set out in Schedule 1 or in such other form as may be prescribed.
(4) A certificate purporting to be issued by a senior police officer under paragraph (3) shall, until the contrary is proved, be evidence that the criminal injury referred to in the certificate was caused by a person acting on behalf of or in connection with an unlawful association.
(5) If a senior police officer certifies that it is in the public interest not to disclose the information on which any certificate issued under paragraph (3) is based that information shall not be disclosed in any court in proceedings under this Order.
(6) In this Article—
(a)“average weekly industrial earnings” means the average gross weekly earnings for all full-time men aged 21 and over in all industries and services (excluding those whose pay was affected by absence) as set out in the Northern Ireland Abstract of Statistics prepared by the Department of Finance and Personnel and published from time to time by Her Majesty’s Stationery Office;
(b)“senior police officer” means a member of the Royal Ulster Constabulary of the rank of assistant chief constable or above.