Enforcement and other powers

I16Offences in connection with authorised inspectors

1

A person who intentionally obstructs an authorised inspector acting in the exercise of powers conferred by section 5 commits an offence.

2

A person who fails without reasonable excuse to comply with a requirement for assistance reasonably made under section 5(5)(d) commits an offence.

3

A person who, with intent to deceive, falsely pretends to be an authorised inspector commits an offence.

4

A person guilty of an offence under subsection (1) or (2) is liable on summary conviction to a fine.

5

A person guilty of an offence under subsection (3) is liable—

a

on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding F1the general limit in a magistrates’ court or a fine (or both);

b

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

6

In relation to an offence committed before the commencement of paragraph 24(2) of Schedule 22 to the Sentencing Act 2020, the reference in subsection (5)(a) to F2the general limit in a magistrates’ court is to be read as a reference to six months.