Powers of entry, search and seizure

28Offences of obstruction etc

(1)

A person commits an offence if, without reasonable excuse, the person intentionally obstructs an officer in the performance of any of the officer's functions under sections 14 to 25.

(2)

A person commits an offence if—

(a)

the person fails without reasonable excuse to comply with a requirement reasonably made, or a direction reasonably given, by an officer in the exercise of a power conferred by sections 15 to 25, or

(b)

the person prevents another person from complying with any such requirement or direction.

(3)

A reference in this section to an officer includes a reference to a person authorised under section 18(4) to accompany a police or customs officer.

(4)

A person who commits an offence under this section is liable—

(a)

on summary conviction in England and Wales, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or a fine (or both);

(b)

on summary conviction in Scotland or Northern Ireland, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale (or both).