(1)Subsection (2) applies where in accordance with a provision mentioned in subsection (5) it is a defence for a person charged with an offence to prove a particular matter.
(2)If the person adduces evidence which is sufficient to raise an issue with respect to the matter the court or jury shall assume that the defence is satisfied unless the prosecution proves beyond reasonable doubt that it is not.
(3)Subsection (4) applies where in accordance with a provision mentioned in subsection (5) a court—
(a)may make an assumption in relation to a person charged with an offence unless a particular matter is proved, or
(b)may accept a fact as sufficient evidence unless a particular matter is proved.
(4)If evidence is adduced which is sufficient to raise an issue with respect to the matter mentioned in subsection (3)(a) or (b) the court shall treat it as proved unless the prosecution disproves it beyond reasonable doubt.
(5)The provisions in respect of which subsections (2) and (4) apply are—
(a)sections 12(4), 39(5)(a), 54, 57, 58, 58A, [F158B,] 77 and 103 of this Act, and
(b)sections 13, 32 and 33 of the M1Northern Ireland (Emergency Provisions) Act 1996 (possession and information offences) as they have effect by virtue of Schedule 1 to this Act.
Textual Amendments
F1Word in s. 118(5)(a) inserted (12.4.2019) by Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Act 2019 (c. 3), s. 27(3), Sch. 4 para. 38
Marginal Citations