Part 2Regulation of radio spectrum
Chapter 5Miscellaneous
Misuse of wireless telegraphy
47Misleading messages
1
A person commits an offence if, by means of wireless telegraphy, he sends or attempts to send a message to which this section applies.
2
This section applies to a message which, to the person's knowledge—
a
is false or misleading; and
b
is likely to prejudice the efficiency of a safety of life service or to endanger the safety of a person or of a ship, aircraft or vehicle.
3
This section applies in particular to a message which, to the person's knowledge, falsely suggests that a ship or aircraft—
a
is in distress or in need of assistance; or
b
is not in distress or not in need of assistance.
4
A person who commits an offence under this section is liable—
a
on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding F1the general limit in a magistrates’ court or to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum or to both;
b
on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to a fine or to both.
5
In the application of subsection (4) to Scotland or Northern Ireland the reference to 12 months is to be read as a reference to six months.