Restrictions on participating in regulated activityE+W

(b)on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding [F1the general limit in a magistrates’ court], or to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum, or to both.

(4)It is a defence for a person charged with an offence under this section to prove—

(a)that he reasonably thought that it was necessary for the barred person to engage in the activity for the purpose of preventing harm to a child or vulnerable adult (as the case may be),

(b)that he reasonably thought that there was no other person who could engage in the activity for that purpose, and

(c)that the barred person engaged in the activity for no longer than was necessary for that purpose.

(5)For the purposes of this section, Schedule 4 is modified as follows—

(a)in paragraph 1, sub-paragraphs (1)(b) and (2)(a) must be disregarded;

F2(b). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

F2(c). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(6)In relation to an offence committed before [F32 May 2022], the reference in subsection (3)(b) to [F4the general limit in a magistrates’ court] must be taken to be a reference to six months.