Part IIU.K. Discipline and Trial and Punishment of Military Offences

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1Part II extended by Reserve Forces Act 1980 (c. 9), s. 142

C2Part II applied (1.6.1996 subject to art. 3 of the commencing S.I.) by Armed Forces Act 1991 (c. 62, SIF 7:1), ss. 18(9)(a), 20(10)(a); S.I. 1996/1173, art. 2

Offences relating to, and by, persons in custodyU.K.

54 Permitting escape, and unlawful release of prisoners.F1U.K.

(1)Any person subject to military law who wilfully allows to escape any person who is committed to hischarge, or whom it is his duty to guard, shall, on conviction by court-martial, be liable to imprisonmentor any less punishment provided by this Act.

(2)Any person subject to military law who—

(a)without proper authority releases any person who is committed to his charge, or

(b)without reasonable excuse allows to escape any person who is committed to his charge, or whom it is hisduty to guard,

shall, on conviction by court-martial, be liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two yearsor any less punishment provided by this Act.

Textual Amendments applied to the whole legislation

F1Act: the provisions of the 1955 Acts providing for findings of courts-martial to be subject to confirmation and to revision at the direction of the confirming officer cease to have effect (1.4.1997 subject to art. 3 of the commencing S.I.) by virtue of 1996 c. 46, s. 15; S.I. 1997/304, arts. 2, 3, Sch. 2