Part 2Lawful interception of communications

CHAPTER 3Other provisions about interception

Restrictions on use or disclosure of material obtained under warrants etc.

I159Offence of making unauthorised disclosures

1

A person who fails to comply with section 57(1) commits an offence.

2

A person who is guilty of an offence under this section is liable—

a

on summary conviction in England and Wales—

i

to imprisonment for a term not exceeding F2the general limit in a magistrates’ court (or 6 months, if the offence was committed before F12 May 2022), or

ii

to a fine,

or to both;

b

on summary conviction in Scotland—

i

to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months, or

ii

to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum,

or to both;

c

on summary conviction in Northern Ireland—

i

to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months, or

ii

to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum,

or to both;

d

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

3

In proceedings against any person for an offence under this section in respect of any disclosure, it is a defence for the person to show that the person could not reasonably have been expected, after first becoming aware of the matter disclosed, to take steps to prevent the disclosure.