Powers

31Sections 29 and 30: supplementary

1

A person commits an offence if he interferes with—

a

works executed in connection with the exercise of powers conferred by virtue of section 29 or 30, or

b

any apparatus, equipment or other thing used in connection with the exercise of those powers.

2

It is a defence for a person charged with an offence under this section to prove that he had a reasonable excuse for his interference.

3

A person guilty of an offence under this section shall be liable on summary conviction to—

a

imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months,

b

a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale, or

c

both.

4

An authorisation to exercise powers under section 29 or 30 may authorise—

a

the exercise of all those powers, or

b

the exercise of a specified power or class of powers.

5

An authorisation to exercise powers under section 29 or 30 may be addressed—

a

to specified persons, or

b

to persons of a specified class.