Part 5Equipment interference

Supplementary provision

I1134Offence of making unauthorised disclosure

1

A person commits an offence if—

a

the person discloses any matter in breach of section 132(1), and

b

the person knew that the disclosure was in breach of that section.

2

A person who is guilty of an offence under this section is liable—

a

on summary conviction in England and Wales—

i

to imprisonment for a term not exceeding F2the general limit in a magistrates’ court (or 6 months, if the offence was committed before F12 May 2022), or

ii

to a fine,

or to both;

b

on summary conviction in Scotland—

i

to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months, or

ii

to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum,

or to both;

c

on summary conviction in Northern Ireland—

i

to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months, or

ii

to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum,

or to both;

d

on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years or to a fine, or to both.

3

In proceedings against any person for an offence under this section in respect of any disclosure, it is a defence for the person to show that the person could not reasonably have been expected, after first becoming aware of the matter disclosed, to take steps to prevent the disclosure.