(1)A person commits an offence if, with the intention of perverting the course of justice, he seeks to influence the Director, the Deputy Director or a Public Prosecutor in any decision as to whether to institute or continue criminal proceedings.
(2)A person commits an offence if, with the intention of perverting the course of justice, he seeks to influence a barrister or solicitor to whom the Director has under section 36(2) assigned the institution or conduct of any criminal proceedings in any decision as to whether to institute or continue those proceedings.
(3)A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable—
(a)on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, or to both, and
(b)on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding five years or to a fine, or to both.
(4)Proceedings for an offence under this section shall not be instituted without the consent of the Director.]
Textual Amendments
F1S. 32A inserted (13.6.2005) by Justice (Northern Ireland) Act 2004 (c. 4), ss. 7, 19(1); S.R. 2005/282, art. 2