40Offences relating to informationU.K.
(1)A person to whom information is disclosed under section 39 commits an offence if the person uses or discloses that information in contravention of subsection (8) of that section.
(2)A person to whom information is disclosed under regulations under section 19 (information systems) commits an offence if the person uses or discloses that information in contravention of those regulations.
(3)A person guilty of an offence under subsection (1) or (2) is liable—
(a)on summary conviction in England and Wales, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 51 weeks, to a fine or to both;
(b)on summary conviction in Scotland or Northern Ireland, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months, to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale or to both.
(4)In relation to an offence committed before the coming into force of section 281(5) of the Criminal Justice Act 2003, the reference in subsection (3)(a) to 51 weeks is to be read as a reference to 6 months.
Commencement Information
I1S. 40 in force at 26.5.2021 by S.I. 2021/610, reg. 2(b)