Part 2Lawful interception of communications
CHAPTER 3Other provisions about interception
Restrictions on use or disclosure of material obtained under warrants etc.
59Offence 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)
(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.