Terrorism Act 2000

Part I E+W+N.I. England and Wales and Northern Ireland

Searches E+W+N.I.

1 (1) A constable may apply to a justice of the peace for the issue of a warrant under this paragraph for the purposes of a terrorist investigation. E+W+N.I.

(2) A warrant under this paragraph shall authorise any constable—

(a) to enter [F1 premises mentioned in sub-paragraph (2A)] ,

(b) to search the premises and any person found there, and

(c) to seize and retain any relevant material which is found on a search under paragraph (b).

[F2 (2A) The premises referred to in sub-paragraph (2)(a) are—

(a) one or more sets of premises specified in the application (in which case the application is for a “specific premises warrant”); or

(b) any premises occupied or controlled by a person specified in the application, including such sets of premises as are so specified (in which case the application is for an “all premises warrant”).]

(3) For the purpose of sub-paragraph (2)(c) material is relevant if the constable has reasonable grounds for believing that—

(a) it is likely to be of substantial value, whether by itself or together with other material, to a terrorist investigation, and

(b) it must be seized in order to prevent it from being concealed, lost, damaged, altered or destroyed.

(4) A warrant under this paragraph shall not authorise—

(a) the seizure and retention of items subject to legal privilege, or

(b) a constable to require a person to remove any clothing in public except for headgear, footwear, an outer coat, a jacket or gloves.

(5) Subject to paragraph 2, a justice may grant an application under this paragraph if satisfied—

(a) that the warrant is sought for the purposes of a terrorist investigation,

(b) that there are reasonable grounds for believing that there is material on [F3 premises to which the application relates] which is likely to be of substantial value, whether by itself or together with other material, to a terrorist investigation and which does not consist of or include excepted material (within the meaning of paragraph 4 below), and

(c) that the issue of a warrant is likely to be necessary in the circumstances of the case [F4 , and]

[F5 (d) in the case of an application for an all premises warrant, that it is not reasonably practicable to specify in the application all the premises which the person so specified occupies or controls and which might need to be searched.]

Textual Amendments

F1 Words in Sch. 5 para. 1(2)(a) substituted (13.4.2006) by Terrorism Act 2006 (c. 11), s. 26(2); S.I. 2006/1013, art. 2

F2 Sch. 5 para. 1(2A) inserted (13.4.2006) by Terrorism Act 2006 (c. 11), s. 26(2); S.I. 2006/1013, art. 2

F3 Words in Sch. 5 para. 1(5)(b) substituted (13.4.2006) by Terrorism Act 2006 (c. 11), s. 26(4)(a); S.I. 2006/1013, art. 2

F4 Word in Sch. 5 para. 1(5)(c) inserted (13.4.2006) by Terrorism Act 2006 (c. 11), s. 26(4)(b); S.I. 2006/1013, art. 2

F5 Sch. 5 para. 1(5)(d) inserted (13.4.2006) by Terrorism Act 2006 (c. 11), s. 26(4)(c); S.I. 2006/1013, art. 2

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 Sch. 5 para. 1: power(s) of seizure extended (1.4.2003) by 2001 c. 16, ss. 50, 52-54, 68, Sch. 1 Pt. 1 para. 71; S.I. 2003/708, art. 2

C2 Sch. 5 para. 1: power(s) of seizure extended (1.4.2003) by 2001 c. 16, ss. 51-54, 68, Sch. 1 Pt. 2 para. 83; S.I. 2003/708, art. 2

C3 Sch. 5 para. 1 modified (E.W.N.I) (1.4.2003) by 2001 c. 16, ss. 55, 68, Sch. 1 Pt. 3 para. 109(1) (with s. 57(3)); S.I. 2003/708, art. 2

2 (1) This paragraph applies where an application [F6 for a specific premises warrant] is made under paragraph 1 and— E+W+N.I.

(a) the application is made by a police officer of at least the rank of superintendent,

(b) the application does not relate to residential premises, and

(c) the justice to whom the application is made is not satisfied of the matter referred to in paragraph 1(5)(c).

(2) The justice may grant the application if satisfied of the matters referred to in paragraph 1(5)(a) and (b).

(3) Where a warrant under paragraph 1 is issued by virtue of this paragraph, the powers under paragraph 1(2)(a) and (b) are exercisable only within the period of 24 hours beginning with the time when the warrant is issued.

(4) For the purpose of sub-paragraph (1) “residential premises” means any premises which the officer making the application has reasonable grounds for believing are used wholly or mainly as a dwelling.

Textual Amendments

F6 Words in Sch. 5 para. 2(1) inserted (13.4.2006) by Terrorism Act 2006 (c. 11), s. 26(5); S.I. 2006/1013, art. 2

[F7 2A (1) This paragraph applies where an application for an all premises warrant is made under paragraph 1 and— E+W+N.I.

(a) the application is made by a police officer of at least the rank of superintendent, and

(b) the justice to whom the application is made is not satisfied of the matter referred to in paragraph 1(5)(c).

(2) The justice may grant the application if satisfied of the matters referred to in paragraph 1(5)(a), (b) and (d).

(3) Where a warrant under paragraph 1 is issued by virtue of this paragraph, the powers under paragraph 1(2)(a) and (b) are exercisable only—

(a) in respect of premises which are not residential premises, and

(b) within the period of 24 hours beginning with the time when the warrant is issued.

(4) For the purpose of sub-paragraph (3) “ residential premises ”, in relation to a power under paragraph 1(2)(a) or (b), means any premises which the constable exercising the power has reasonable grounds for believing are used wholly or mainly as a dwelling. ]

Textual Amendments

F7 Sch. 5 para. 2A inserted (13.4.2006) by Terrorism Act 2006 (c. 11), s. 26(6); S.I. 2006/1013, art. 2

3 (1) Subject to sub-paragraph (2), a police officer of at least the rank of superintendent may by a written authority signed by him authorise a search of specified premises which are wholly or partly within a cordoned area. E+W+N.I.

(2) A constable who is not of the rank required by sub-paragraph (1) may give an authorisation under this paragraph if he considers it necessary by reason of urgency.

(3) An authorisation under this paragraph shall authorise any constable—

(a) to enter the premises specified in the authority,

(b) to search the premises and any person found there, and

(c) to seize and retain any relevant material (within the meaning of paragraph 1(3)) which is found on a search under paragraph (b).

(4) The powers under sub-paragraph (3)(a) and (b) may be exercised—

(a) on one or more occasions, and

(b) at any time during the period when the designation of the cordoned area under section 33 has effect.

(5) An authorisation under this paragraph shall not authorise—

(a) the seizure and retention of items subject to legal privilege;

(b) a constable to require a person to remove any clothing in public except for headgear, footwear, an outer coat, a jacket or gloves.

(6) An authorisation under this paragraph shall not be given unless the person giving it has reasonable grounds for believing that there is material to be found on the premises which—

(a) is likely to be of substantial value, whether by itself or together with other material, to a terrorist investigation, and

(b) does not consist of or include excepted material.

(7) A person commits an offence if he wilfully obstructs a search under this paragraph.

(8) A person guilty of an offence under sub-paragraph (7) shall be liable on summary conviction to—

(a) imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months,

(b) a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale, or

(c) both.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C4 Sch. 5 para. 3: power(s) of seizure extended (1.4.2003) by 2001 c. 16, ss. 50, 52-54, 68, Sch. 1 Pt. 1 para. 71; S.I. 2003/708, art. 2

C5 Sch. 5 para. 3: power(s) of seizure extended (1.4.2003) by 2001 c. 16, ss. 51-54, 68, Sch. 1 Pt. 2 para. 83; S.I. 2003/708, art. 2

C6 Sch. 5 para. 3 modified (1.4.2003) by 2001 c. 16, ss. 55, 68, Sch. 1 Pt. 3 para. 109(1) (with s. 57(3)); S.I. 2003/708, art. 2

Excepted material E+W+N.I.

4 E+W+N.I. In this Part—

(a) “excluded material” has the meaning given by section 11 of the M1 Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984,

(b) “items subject to legal privilege” has the meaning given by section 10 of that Act, and

(c) “special procedure material” has the meaning given by section 14 of that Act;

and material is “excepted material” if it falls within any of paragraphs (a) to (c).

Marginal Citations

M1 1984 c. 60.

Excluded and special procedure material: production & access E+W+N.I.

5 (1) [F8 An appropriate officer] may apply to a Circuit judge for an order under this paragraph for the purposes of a terrorist investigation. E+W+N.I.

[F9 (1A) Where the appropriate officer is a counter-terrorism financial investigator, the officer may apply for an order under this paragraph only for the purposes of a terrorist investigation so far as relating to terrorist property.]

(2) An application for an order shall relate to particular material, or material of a particular description, which consists of or includes excluded material or special procedure material.

(3) An order under this paragraph may require a specified person—

(a) to produce to [F10 an appropriate officer] within a specified period for seizure and retention any material which he has in his possession, custody or power and to which the application relates;

(b) to give [F11 an appropriate officer] access to any material of the kind mentioned in paragraph (a) within a specified period;

(c) to state to the best of his knowledge and belief the location of material to which the application relates if it is not in, and it will not come into, his possession, custody or power within the period specified under paragraph (a) or (b).

(4) For the purposes of this paragraph—

(a) an order may specify a person only if he appears to the Circuit judge to have in his possession, custody or power any of the material to which the application relates, and

(b) a period specified in an order shall be the period of seven days beginning with the date of the order unless it appears to the judge that a different period would be appropriate in the particular circumstances of the application.

(5) Where a Circuit judge makes an order under sub-paragraph (3)(b) in relation to material on any premises, he may, on the application of a constable, order any person who appears to the judge to be entitled to grant entry to the premises to allow any constable to enter the premises to obtain access to the material.

[F12 (6) “Appropriate officer” means—

(a) a constable, or

(b) a counter-terrorism financial investigator.]

Textual Amendments

F8 Words in Sch. 5 para. 5(1) substituted (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 27.6.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Criminal Finances Act 2017 (c. 22), ss. 41(3)(a)(i), 58(4)(6)

F9 Sch. 5 para. 5(1A) inserted (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 27.6.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Criminal Finances Act 2017 (c. 22), ss. 41(3)(a)(ii), 58(4)(6)

F10 Words in Sch. 5 para. 5(3)(a) substituted (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 27.6.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Criminal Finances Act 2017 (c. 22), ss. 41(3)(a)(iii), 58(4)(6)

F11 Words in Sch. 5 para. 5(3)(b) substituted (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 27.6.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Criminal Finances Act 2017 (c. 22), ss. 41(3)(a)(iv), 58(4)(6)

F12 Sch. 5 para. 5(6) inserted (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 27.6.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Criminal Finances Act 2017 (c. 22), ss. 41(3)(a)(v), 58(4)(6)

6 (1) A Circuit judge may grant an application under paragraph 5 if satisfied— E+W+N.I.

(a) that the material to which the application relates consists of or includes excluded material or special procedure material,

(b) that it does not include items subject to legal privilege, and

(c) that the conditions in sub-paragraphs (2) and (3) are satisfied in respect of that material.

(2) The first condition is that—

(a) the order is sought for the purposes of a terrorist investigation, and

(b) there are reasonable grounds for believing that the material is likely to be of substantial value, whether by itself or together with other material, to a terrorist investigation.

(3) The second condition is that there are reasonable grounds for believing that it is in the public interest that the material should be produced or that access to it should be given having regard—

(a) to the benefit likely to accrue to a terrorist investigation if the material is obtained, and

(b) to the circumstances under which the person concerned has any of the material in his possession, custody or power.

[F13 (4) In the case of an order sought by a counter-terrorism financial investigator, the first condition is satisfied only to the extent that the terrorist investigation mentioned in sub-paragraph (2)(a) and (b) relates to terrorist property.]

Textual Amendments

F13 Sch. 5 para. 6(4) inserted (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 27.6.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Criminal Finances Act 2017 (c. 22), ss. 41(3)(b), 58(4)(6)

7 (1) An order under paragraph 5 may be made in relation to— E+W+N.I.

(a) material consisting of or including excluded or special procedure material which is expected to come into existence within the period of 28 days beginning with the date of the order;

(b) a person who the Circuit judge thinks is likely to have any of the material to which the application relates in his possession, custody or power within that period.

(2) Where an order is made under paragraph 5 by virtue of this paragraph, paragraph 5(3) shall apply with the following modifications—

(a) the order shall require the specified person to notify a named [F14 appropriate officer (as defined in paragraph 5(6))] as soon as is reasonably practicable after any material to which the application relates comes into his possession, custody or power,

(b) the reference in paragraph 5(3)(a) to material which the specified person has in his possession, custody or power shall be taken as a reference to the material referred to in paragraph (a) above which comes into his possession, custody or power, and

(c) the reference in paragraph 5(3)(c) to the specified period shall be taken as a reference to the period of 28 days beginning with the date of the order.

(3) Where an order is made under paragraph 5 by virtue of this paragraph, paragraph 5(4) shall not apply and the order—

(a) may only specify a person falling within sub-paragraph (1)(b), and

(b) shall specify the period of seven days beginning with the date of notification required under sub-paragraph (2)(a) unless it appears to the judge that a different period would be appropriate in the particular circumstances of the application.

Textual Amendments

F14 Words in Sch. 5 para. 7(2)(a) substituted (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 27.6.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Criminal Finances Act 2017 (c. 22), ss. 41(3)(c), 58(4)(6)

8 (1) An order under paragraph 5— E+W+N.I.

(a) shall not confer any right to production of, or access to, items subject to legal privilege, and

(b) shall have effect notwithstanding any restriction on the disclosure of information imposed by statute or otherwise.

(2) Where the material to which an application under paragraph 5 relates consists of information contained in a computer—

(a) an order under paragraph 5(3)(a) shall have effect as an order to produce the material in a form in which it can be taken away and in which it is visible and legible, and

(b) an order under paragraph 5(3)(b) shall have effect as an order to give access to the material in a form in which it is visible and legible.

9 (1) An order under paragraph 5 may be made in relation to material in the possession, custody or power of a government department. E+W+N.I.

(2) Where an order is made by virtue of sub-paragraph (1)—

(a) it shall be served as if the proceedings were civil proceedings against the department, and

(b) it may require any officer of the department, whether named in the order or not, who may for the time being have in his possession, custody or power the material concerned, to comply with the order.

(3) In this paragraph “government department” means an authorised government department for the purposes of the M2 Crown Proceedings Act 1947.

Marginal Citations

M2 1947 c. 44.

10 (1) An order of a Circuit judge [F15 or a District Judge (Magistrates' Courts)] under paragraph 5 shall have effect as if it were an order of the Crown Court. E+W+N.I.

(2) [F16 Criminal Procedure Rules] may make provision about proceedings relating to an order under paragraph 5.

(3) In particular, the rules may make provision about the variation or discharge of an order.

Textual Amendments

F15 Words in Sch. 5 para. 10(1) inserted (1.4.2005) by Courts Act 2003 (c. 39), s. 65(2), Sch. 4 para. 9(a); S.I. 2005/910, art. 3(u)

F16 Words in Sch. 5 para. 10(2) substituted (1.9.2004 subject to art. 3 of the commencing S.I.) by Courts Act 2003 (c. 39), s. 109(1), Sch. 8 para. 389(2); S.I. 2004/2066, art. 2

Commencement Information

I1 Sch. 5 para. 10 wholly in force at 19.2.2001; Sch. 5 para. 10 not in force at Royal Assent see s. 128; Sch. 5 para. 10(2)(3) in force at 31.10.2000 by S.I. 2000/2944, art. 2(i); Sch. 5 para. 10 in force at 19.2.2001 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2001/421, art. 2

Excluded or special procedure material: search E+W+N.I.

11 (1) A constable may apply to a Circuit judge for the issue of a warrant under this paragraph for the purposes of a terrorist investigation. E+W+N.I.

(2) A warrant under this paragraph shall authorise any constable—

(a) to enter [F17 premises mentioned in sub-paragraph (3A)],

(b) to search the premises and any person found there, and

(c) to seize and retain any relevant material which is found on a search under paragraph (b).

(3) A warrant under this paragraph shall not authorise—

(a) the seizure and retention of items subject to legal privilege;

(b) a constable to require a person to remove any clothing in public except for headgear, footwear, an outer coat, a jacket or gloves.

[F18 (3A) The premises referred to in sub-paragraph (2)(a) are—

(a) one or more sets of premises specified in the application (in which case the application is for a “specific premises warrant”); or

(b) any premises occupied or controlled by a person specified in the application, including such sets of premises as are so specified (in which case the application is for an “all premises warrant”).]

(4) For the purpose of sub-paragraph (2)(c) material is relevant if the constable has reasonable grounds for believing that it is likely to be of substantial value, whether by itself or together with other material, to a terrorist investigation.

[F19 (5) Criminal Procedure Rules may make provision about proceedings relating to a warrant under this paragraph.]

Textual Amendments

F17 Words in Sch. 5 para. 11(2)(a) substituted (13.4.2006) by Terrorism Act 2006 (c. 11), s. 26(7); S.I. 2006/1013, art. 2

F18 Sch. 5 para. 11(3A) inserted (13.4.2006) by Terrorism Act 2006 (c. 11), s. 26(8); S.I. 2006/1013, art. 2

F19 Sch. 5 para. 11(5) inserted (26.5.2015) by Deregulation Act 2015 (c. 20), ss. 82(4), 115(7); S.I. 2015/994, art. 6(o)

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C7 Sch. 5 para. 11: power(s) of seizure extended (1.4.2003) by 2001 c. 16, ss. 50, 52-54, 68, Sch. 1 Pt. 1 para. 71; S.I. 2003/708, art. 2

C8 Sch. 5 para. 11: power(s) of seizure extended (1.4.2003) by 2001 c. 16, ss. 51-54, 68, Sch. 1 Pt. 2 para. 83; S.I. 2003/708, art. 2

12 (1) A Circuit judge may grant an application [F20 for a specific premises warrant] under paragraph 11 if satisfied that an order made under paragraph 5 in relation to material on the premises specified in the application has not been complied with. E+W+N.I.

(2) A Circuit judge may also grant an application [F20 for a specific premises warrant] under paragraph 11 if satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for believing that—

(a) there is material on premises specified in the application which consists of or includes excluded material or special procedure material but does not include items subject to legal privilege, and

(b) the conditions in sub-paragraphs (3) and (4) are satisfied.

[F21 (2A) A Circuit judge or a District Judge (Magistrates' Courts) may grant an application for an all premises warrant under paragraph 11 if satisfied—

(a) that an order made under paragraph 5 has not been complied with, and

(b) that the person specified in the application is also specified in the order.

(2B) A Circuit judge or a District Judge (Magistrates' Courts) may also grant an application for an all premises warrant under paragraph 11 if satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for believing—

(a) that there is material on premises to which the application relates which consists of or includes excluded material or special procedure material but does not include items subject to legal privilege, and

(b) that the conditions in sub-paragraphs (3) and (4) are met.]

(3) The first condition is that—

(a) the warrant is sought for the purposes of a terrorist investigation, and

(b) the material is likely to be of substantial value, whether by itself or together with other material, to a terrorist investigation.

(4) The second condition is that it is not appropriate to make an order under paragraph 5 in relation to the material because—

(a) it is not practicable to communicate with any person entitled to produce the material,

(b) it is not practicable to communicate with any person entitled to grant access to the material or entitled to grant entry to [F22 premises to which the application for the warrant relates] , or

(c) a terrorist investigation may be seriously prejudiced unless a constable can secure immediate access to the material.

Textual Amendments

F20 Words in Sch. 5 para. 12(1)(2) inserted (13.4.2006) by Terrorism Act 2006 (c. 11), s. 26(9); S.I. 2006/1013, art. 2

F21 Sch. 5 para. 12(2A)(2B) inserted (13.4.2006) by Terrorism Act 2006 (c. 11), s. 26(10); S.I. 2006/1013, art. 2

F22 Words in Sch. 5 para. 12(4)(b) substituted (13.4.2006) by Terrorism Act 2006 (c. 11), s. 26(11); S.I. 2006/1013, art. 2

Explanations E+W+N.I.

13 (1) A constable may apply to a Circuit judge for an order under this paragraph requiring any person specified in the order to provide an explanation of any material— E+W+N.I.

(a) seized in pursuance of a warrant under paragraph 1 or 11, or

(b) produced or made available to a constable under paragraph 5.

[F23 (1A) A counter-terrorism financial investigator may apply to a Circuit Judge or a District Judge (Magistrates’ Courts) for an order under this paragraph requiring any person specified in the order to provide an explanation of any material produced or made available to a counter-terrorism financial investigator under paragraph 5.]

(2) An order under this paragraph shall not require any person to disclose any information which he would be entitled to refuse to disclose on grounds of legal professional privilege in proceedings in the High Court.

(3) But a lawyer may be required to provide the name and address of his client.

(4) A statement by a person in response to a requirement imposed by an order under this paragraph—

(a) may be made orally or in writing, and

(b) may be used in evidence against him only on a prosecution for an offence under paragraph 14.

(5) Paragraph 10 shall apply to orders under this paragraph as it applies to orders under paragraph 5.

Textual Amendments

F23 Sch. 5 para. 13(1A) inserted (27.4.2017 for specified purposes, 27.6.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Criminal Finances Act 2017 (c. 22), ss. 41(3)(d), 58(4)(6)

14 (1) A person commits an offence if, in purported compliance with an order under paragraph 13, he— E+W+N.I.

(a) makes a statement which he knows to be false or misleading in a material particular, or

(b) recklessly makes a statement which is false or misleading in a material particular.

(2) A person guilty of an offence under sub-paragraph (1) shall be liable—

(a) on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, to a fine or to both, or

(b) on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum or to both.

Urgent cases E+W+N.I.

15 (1) A police officer of at least the rank of superintendent may by a written order signed by him give to any constable the authority which may be given by a search warrant under paragraph 1 or 11. E+W+N.I.

(2) An order shall not be made under this paragraph unless the officer has reasonable grounds for believing—

(a) that the case is one of great emergency, and

(b) that immediate action is necessary.

(3) Where an order is made under this paragraph particulars of the case shall be notified as soon as is reasonably practicable to the Secretary of State.

(4) A person commits an offence if he wilfully obstructs a search under this paragraph.

(5) A person guilty of an offence under sub-paragraph (4) shall be liable on summary conviction to—

(a) imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months,

(b) a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale, or

(c) both.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C9 Sch. 5 para. 15: power(s) of seizure extended (1.4.2003) by 2001 c. 16, ss. 50, 52-54, 68, Sch. 1 Pt. 1 para. 71; S.I. 2003/708, art. 2

C10 Sch. 5 para. 15: power(s) of seizure extended (1.4.2003) by 2001 c. 16, ss. 51-54, 68. Sch. 1 Pt. 1 para. 83; S.I. 2003/708, art. 2

C11 Sch. 5 para. 15 modified (1.4.2003) by 2001 c. 16, ss. 55, 68, Sch. 1 Pt. 3 para. 109(2) (with s. 57(3)); S.I. 2003/708, art. 2

16 (1) If a police officer of at least the rank of superintendent has reasonable grounds for believing that the case is one of great emergency he may by a written notice signed by him require any person specified in the notice to provide an explanation of any material seized in pursuance of an order under paragraph 15. E+W+N.I.

(2) Sub-paragraphs (2) to (4) of paragraph 13 and paragraph 14 shall apply to a notice under this paragraph as they apply to an order under paragraph 13.

(3) A person commits an offence if he fails to comply with a notice under this paragraph.

(4) It is a defence for a person charged with an offence under sub-paragraph (3) to show that he had a reasonable excuse for his failure.

(5) A person guilty of an offence under sub-paragraph (3) 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.

Supplementary E+W+N.I.

17 E+W+N.I. For the purposes of sections 21 and 22 of the M3 Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (seized material: access, copying and retention)—

(a) a terrorist investigation shall be treated as an investigation of or in connection with an offence, and

(b) material produced in pursuance of an order under paragraph 5 shall be treated as if it were material seized by a constable.

Marginal Citations

M3 1984 c. 60.

Northern Ireland E+W+N.I.

18 E+W+N.I. In the application of this Part to Northern Ireland—

(a) the reference in paragraph 4(a) to section 11 of the M4 Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 shall be taken as a reference to Article 13 of the M5 Police and Criminal Evidence (Northern Ireland) Order 1989,

(b) the reference in paragraph 4(b) to section 10 of that Act shall be taken as a reference to Article 12 of that Order,

(c) the reference in paragraph 4(c) to section 14 of that Act shall be taken as a reference to Article 16 of that Order,

(d) the references in paragraph 9(1) and (2) to “government department” shall be taken as including references to an authorised Northern Ireland department for the purposes of the M6 Crown Proceedings Act 1947,

[F24 (dd) the reference in paragraph 10(2) to “Criminal Procedure Rules” shall be taken as a reference to Crown Court Rules,]

F25 (e) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(f) the reference in paragraph 17 to sections 21 and 22 of the M7 Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 shall be taken as a reference to Articles 23 and 24 of the M8 Police and Criminal Evidence (Northern Ireland) Order 1989, and

(g) references to “a Circuit judge” shall be taken as references to a [F26 Crown Court judge].

Textual Amendments

F24 Sch. 5 para. 18(dd) inserted (1.9.2004 subject to art. 3 of the commencing S.I.) by Courts Act 2003 (c. 39), s. 109(1), Sch. 8 para. 389(3); S.I. 2004/2066, art. 2

F25 Sch. 5 para. 18(e) repealed (7.7.2002) by 2001 c. 24, ss. 121(2)(a), 125, Sch. 8 Pt. 7; S.I. 2002/1558, art. 2

F26 Words in Sch. 5 para. 18(g) substituted (7.7.2002) by 2001 c. 24, s. 121(2)(b); S.I. 2002/1558, art. 2

Marginal Citations

M4 1984 c. 60.

M5 S.I. 1989/1341 (N.I. 12).

M6 1947 c. 44.

M7 1984 c. 60.

M8 S.I. 1989/1341 (N.I. 12).

[F27 19 (1) The Secretary of State may by a written order which relates to specified premises give to any constable in Northern Ireland— E+W+N.I.

(a) the authority which may be given by a search warrant under paragraph 1;

(b) the authority which may be given by a search warrant under paragraph 11.

(2) An order shall not be made under this paragraph unless—

(a) it appears to the Secretary of State that the information which it would be necessary to provide to the court in support of an application for a warrant would, if disclosed, be likely to place any person in danger or prejudice the capability of members of the Royal Ulster Constabulary to investigate an offence under any of sections 15 to 18 or under section 56, and

(b) the order is made for the purposes of an investigation of the commission, preparation or instigation of an offence under any of sections 15 to 18 or under section 56.

(3) The Secretary of State may make an order under sub-paragraph (1)(a) in relation to particular premises only if satisfied—

(a) that there are reasonable grounds for believing that there is material on the premises which is likely to be of substantial value, whether by itself or together with other material, to the investigation mentioned in sub-paragraph (2)(b), and which does not consist of or include excepted material, and

(b) that the authority of an order is likely to be necessary in the circumstances of the case.

(4) The Secretary of State may make an order under sub-paragraph (1)(b) in relation to particular premises if satisfied that an order made under paragraph 5 in relation to material on the premises has not been complied with.

(5) The Secretary of State may also make an order under sub-paragraph (1)(b) in relation to particular premises if satisfied that there are reasonable grounds for believing that—

(a) there is material on the premises which consists of or includes excluded material or special procedure material but does not include items subject to legal privilege,

(b) the material is likely to be of substantial value, whether by itself or together with other material, to the investigation mentioned in sub-paragraph (2)(b), and

(c) an order under paragraph 5 would not be appropriate in relation to the material for the reason mentioned in paragraph 12(4)(a) or (b) or because the investigation mentioned in sub-paragraph (2)(b) might be seriously prejudiced unless a constable can secure immediate access to the material.

(6) An order under sub-paragraph (1)(b) may not be made except in the circumstances specified in sub-paragraphs (4) and (5).

(7) A person commits an offence if he wilfully obstructs a search under this paragraph.

(8) A person guilty of an offence under sub-paragraph (7) shall be liable on summary conviction to—

(a) imprisonment for a term not exceeding three months,

(b) a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale, or

(c) both.]

Textual Amendments

F27 Sch. 5 paras. 19-21 ceased to have effect (N.I.) (19.2.2003) by virtue of The Terrorism Act 2000 (Continuance of Part VII) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/427), art. 2(2)(c); and repealed (N.I.) (19.2.2006) by Terrorism (Northern Ireland) Act 2006 (c. 4), s. 5(2)(3), Sch.

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C12 Sch. 5 para. 19: power(s) of seizure extended (1.4.2003) by 2001 c. 16, ss. 50, 52-54, 68, Sch. 1 Pt. 1 para. 71; S.I. 2003/708, art. 2

C13 Sch. 5 para. 19: power(s) of seizure extended (1.4.2003) by 2001 c. 16, ss. 51-54, 68, Sch. 1 Pt. 2 para. 83; S.I. 2003/708, art. 2

C14 Sch. 5 para. 19 modified (1.4.2003) by 2001 c. 16, ss. 55, 68, Sch. 1 Pt. 3 para. 109(2) (with s. 57(3)); S.I. 2003/708, art. 2

[F28 20 (1) The Secretary of State may exercise the power to make an order under paragraph 5 in relation to any person in Northern Ireland who is specified in the order. E+W+N.I.

(2) An order shall not be made by virtue of this paragraph unless it appears to the Secretary of State that the information which it would be necessary to provide to a [F29 Crown Court judge]] in support of an application for an order under paragraph 5 would, if disclosed—

(a) be likely to place any person in danger, or

(b) be likely to prejudice the capability of members of the Royal Ulster Constabulary to investigate an offence under any of sections 15 to 18 or under section 56.

(3) Paragraphs 5 to 9 shall apply to the making of an order under paragraph 5 by virtue of this paragraph with the following modifications—

(a) references to a [F29 Crown Court judge] shall be taken as references to the Secretary of State,

(b) the references to “a terrorist investigation” in paragraphs 5(1) and 6(2)(a) shall be taken as references to an investigation of the commission, preparation or instigation of an offence under any of sections 15 to 18 or under section 56, and

(c) the references to “a terrorist investigation” in paragraphs 6(2)(b) and 6(3)(a) shall be taken as references to the investigation mentioned in paragraph 6(2)(a).

(4) Paragraph 10 shall not apply in relation to an order made under paragraph 5 by virtue of this paragraph.

(5) The Secretary of State may vary or revoke an order made by virtue of this paragraph.

(6) A person commits an offence if he contravenes an order made by virtue of this paragraph.

(7) A person guilty of an offence under sub-paragraph (6) shall be liable—

(a) on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years, to a fine or to both, or

(b) on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum or to both.

Textual Amendments

F28 Sch. 5 paras. 19-21 ceased to have effect (N.I.) (19.2.2003) by virtue of The Terrorism Act 2000 (Continuance of Part VII) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/427), art. 2(2)(c); and repealed (N.I.) (19.2.2006) by Terrorism (Northern Ireland) Act 2006 (c. 4), s. 5(2)(3), Sch.

F29 Words in Sch. 5 para. 20(2)(3)(a) substituted (7.7.2002) by 2001 c. 24, s. 121(3); S.I. 2002/1558, art. 2

[F30 21 (1) The Secretary of State may by a written order require any person in Northern Ireland who is specified in the order to provide an explanation of any material— E+W+N.I.

(a) seized in pursuance of an order under paragraph 19, or

(b) produced or made available to a constable in pursuance of an order made by virtue of paragraph 20.

(2) The provisions of paragraphs 13(2) to (4) and 14 shall apply to an order under this paragraph as they apply to an order under paragraph 13.

(3) The provisions of paragraph 16(3) to (5) shall apply to an order under this paragraph as they apply to a notice under paragraph 16.]

Textual Amendments

F30 Sch. 5 paras. 19-21 ceased to have effect (N.I.) (19.2.2003) by virtue of The Terrorism Act 2000 (Continuance of Part VII) Order 2003 (S.I. 2003/427), art. 2(2)(c); and repealed (N.I.) (19.2.2006) by Terrorism (Northern Ireland) Act 2006 (c. 4), s. 5(2)(3), Sch.