Part 1Persons who lack capacity

Miscellaneous and supplementary

44Ill-treatment or neglect

(1)

Subsection (2) applies if a person (“D”)—

(a)

has the care of a person (“P”) who lacks, or whom D reasonably believes to lack, capacity,

(b)

is the donee of a lasting power of attorney, or an enduring power of attorney (within the meaning of Schedule 4), created by P, or

(c)

is a deputy appointed by the court for P.

(2)

D is guilty of an offence if he ill-treats or wilfully neglects P.

(3)

A person guilty of 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 a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum or both;

(b)

on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years or a fine or both.