Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C1Pt. 1: certain functions made exercisable concurrently (26.11.1998 for certain purposes and prosp. otherwise) by 1984 c. 12, s. 50(3) (as substituted by 1998 c. 41, s. 66(5), Sch. 10 Pt. II para. 2(6) (with s. 73); S.I. 1998/2750, art. 2)
C2Pt. 1 (except ss. 38(1)-(6), 51) amended (1.2.2001) by 2000 c. 38, ss. 86(1)(3), 89 (with ss. 105(2)(d)(5), 106); S.I. 2001/57, art. 3(1), Sch. 2 Pt. 1
C3Pt. 1 (except ss. 38(1)-(6), 51, 52(6) and (8) and 54) amended (1.2.2001) by 2000 c. 38, s. 86(4)(b)(5) (with ss. 105(2)(d)(5), 106); S.I. 2001/57, art. 3(1), Sch. 2 Pt. 1
Pt. 1 (except ss. 38(1)-(6), 51) amended (1.2.2001) by 2000 c. 38, s. 86(7)(b) (with ss. 105(2)(d)(5), 106); S.I. 2001/57, art. 3(1), Sch. 2 Pt. 1
(1)A person is guilty of an offence if he fails to comply with a requirement imposed on him under section 26, 27 or 28.
(2)If a person is charged with an offence under subsection (1) in respect of a requirement to produce a document, it is a defence for him to prove—
(a)that the document was not in his possession or under his control; and
(b)that it was not reasonably practicable for him to comply with the requirement.
(3)If a person is charged with an offence under subsection (1) in respect of a requirement—
(a)to provide information,
(b)to provide an explanation of a document, or
(c)to state where a document is to be found,
it is a defence for him to prove that he had a reasonable excuse for failing to comply with the requirement.
(4)Failure to comply with a requirement imposed under section 26 or 27 is not an offence if the person imposing the requirement has failed to act in accordance with that section.
(5)A person is guilty of an offence if he intentionally obstructs an officer acting in the exercise of his powers under section 27.
(6)A person guilty of an offence under subsection (1) or (5) is liable—
(a)on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum;
(b)on conviction on indictment, to a fine.
(7)A person who intentionally obstructs an officer in the exercise of his powers under a warrant issued under section 28 is guilty of an offence and liable—
(a)on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum;
(b)on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or to a fine or to both.