Explanatory Notes

Coroners and Justice Act 2009

2009 CHAPTER 25

12 November 2009

The Act

Commentary on Sections

Part 2 - Criminal offences
Chapter 2:  Images of children
Section 66:  Penalties

385.The penalties that will apply to persons found guilty of an offence under section 62 are set out in this section.

386.In England and Wales and Northern Ireland on conviction on indictment the maximum sentence is imprisonment for three years.

387.The maximum sentence on summary conviction of the offence in England and Wales is six months’ imprisonment. On the commencement of section 154(1) of the 2003 Act, the maximum sentence on summary conviction in England and Wales will rise to 12 months (see paragraph 12(1) of Schedule 22 to the Act). The maximum custodial penalty on summary conviction in Northern Ireland is six months.