C1C2Part 2Encouraging or assisting crime
Pt. 2 applied (with modifications) by 2003 c. 42, Sch. 4 para. 6(3) (as inserted (26.4.2013) by Criminal Justice Act (Northern Ireland) 2013 (c. 7), ss. 3(5), 15(1))
F1Defences
S. 50 cross-heading substituted (20.12.2023) by National Security Act 2023 (c. 32), ss. 30(3), 100(1) (with s. 97); S.I. 2023/1272, reg. 2(a)
I1C150C1Defence of acting reasonably
1
A person is not guilty of an offence under this Part if he proves—
a
that he knew certain circumstances existed; and
b
that it was reasonable for him to act as he did in those circumstances.
2
A person is not guilty of an offence under this Part if he proves—
a
that he believed certain circumstances to exist;
b
that his belief was reasonable; and
c
that it was reasonable for him to act as he did in the circumstances as he believed them to be.
3
Factors to be considered in determining whether it was reasonable for a person to act as he did include—
a
the seriousness of the anticipated offence (or, in the case of an offence under section 46, the offences specified in the indictment);
b
any purpose for which he claims to have been acting;
c
any authority by which he claims to have been acting.
Pt. 2 restricted by 2007 c. 19, s. 18(1A) (as inserted (1.10.2008) by Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27), ss. 62, 94(1) (with Sch. 13 para. 5); S.I. 2008/2504, art. 2(a))