Prosecution and penalties

11Penalties

1

An individual guilty of an offence under section 1, 2 or 6 is liable—

a

on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months, or to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum, or to both,

b

on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years, or to a fine, or to both.

2

Any other person guilty of an offence under section 1, 2 or 6 is liable—

a

on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum,

b

on conviction on indictment, to a fine.

3

A person guilty of an offence under section 7 is liable on conviction on indictment to a fine.

4

The reference in subsection (1)(a) to 12 months is to be read—

a

in its application to England and Wales in relation to an offence committed before the commencement of section 154(1) of the Criminal Justice Act 2003, and

b

in its application to Northern Ireland,

as a reference to 6 months.