Part 21Offences

I1315Ill-treatment and wilful neglect of mentally disordered person

1

This section applies to a person (a “relevant person”) who—

a

is an individual employed in, or contracted to provide services in or to, a hospital;

b

not being the Scottish Ministers, is a manager of a hospital;

c

provides care services; or

d

is an individual who, otherwise than—

i

by virtue of a contract of employment or other contract with any person; or

ii

as a volunteer for a voluntary organisation,

provides care or treatment.

2

A relevant person who—

a

whether under this Act or otherwise—

i

is providing care or treatment; or

ii

purports to provide care or treatment,

to a patient; and

b

ill-treats, or wilfully neglects, that patient,

shall be guilty of an offence.

3

A person guilty of an offence under subsection (2) above shall be liable—

a

on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum or to both;

b

on conviction on indictment to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years or to a fine or to both.

4

In subsection (1)(c) above, the reference to the provision of care services shall be construed in accordance with section 313(5) of this Act.