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Protection from Harassment Act 1997
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Changes over time for: Section 7
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There are currently no known outstanding effects for the Protection from Harassment Act 1997, Section 7.
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7 Interpretation of this group of sections.E+W
(1)This section applies for the interpretation of sections [F1sections 1 to 5A].
(2)References to harassing a person include alarming the person or causing the person distress.
[F2(3)A “course of conduct” must involve—
(a)in the case of conduct in relation to a single person (see section 1(1)), conduct on at least two occasions in relation to that person, or
(b)in the case of conduct in relation to two or more persons (see section 1(1A)), conduct on at least one occasion in relation to each of those persons.]
[F3(3A)A person’s conduct on any occasion shall be taken, if aided, abetted, counselled or procured by another—
(a)to be conduct on that occasion of the other (as well as conduct of the person whose conduct it is); and
(b)to be conduct in relation to which the other’s knowledge and purpose, and what he ought to have known, are the same as they were in relation to what was contemplated or reasonably foreseeable at the time of the aiding, abetting, counselling or procuring.]
(4)“Conduct” includes speech.
[F4(5)References to a person, in the context of the harassment of a person, are references to a person who is an individual.]
Textual Amendments
F1Words in s. 7(1) substituted (30.9.2009) by Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004 (c. 28), s. 60, Sch. 10 para. 44 (with Sch. 12 para. 5(3)); S.I. 2009/2501, art. 2(d)
F2S. 7(3) substituted (1.7.2005) by Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (c. 15), ss. 125(7)(a), 178(8); S.I. 2005/1521, art. 3(1)(m)
F3S. 7(3A) inserted (1.8.2001) by 2001 c. 16, s. 44(1)(2); S.I. 2001/2223, art. 3(b)
F4S. 7(5) added (1.7.2005) by Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (c. 15), ss. 125(7)(b), 178(8); S.I. 2005/1521, art. 3(1)(m)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C1S. 7 applied (28.3.2009 for specified purposes, 31.10.2009 in so far as not already in force) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 230(1), 383(2) (with s. 385); S.I. 2009/812, art. 3(a)(b) (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4
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