(1)A person who contravenes section 21(1) is guilty of an offence and liable—
(a)on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum, or both;
(b)on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or a fine, or both.
(2)In proceedings for an offence under this section it is a defence for the accused to show—
(a)that he believed on reasonable grounds that the content of the communication was prepared, or approved for the purposes of section 21 [F1in accordance with subsection (2A) of that section], by an authorised person; or
(b)that he took all reasonable precautions and exercised all due diligence to avoid committing the offence.
Textual Amendments
F1Words in s. 25(2)(a) inserted (6.9.2023 for specified purposes, 6.11.2023 for specified purposes, 7.2.2024 in so far as not already in force) by Financial Services and Markets Act 2023 (c. 29), s. 86(3), Sch. 5 para. 3 (with s. 20(5)); S.I. 2023/936, reg. 2(1)(a)(b)(2)(b)(ii)(3)(4) (with reg. 3)
Modifications etc. (not altering text)
C1S. 25 applied (22.7.2013) by The Alternative Investment Fund Managers Regulations 2013 (S.I. 2013/1773), regs. 1, 52(2)(3)
C2S. 25(2)(a) modified (31.10.2001) by S.I. 2001/3374, art. 1, Sch. para. 6
C3S. 25(2)(a) modified (31.10.2004) by The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Transitional Provisions) (Mortgages) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/2615), arts. 1(2)(b), 5, Sch. para. 6
C4S. 25(2)(a) modified (14.1.2005) by The Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Transitional Provisions) (General Insurance Intermediaries) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/3351), arts. 1(2)(b), 5, Sch. para. 6
