15Disclosure offences

15 Disclosure offences

(1)  A person commits an offence if –

(a) a witness identity protection certificate for an operative in relation to a proceeding has been given; and

(b) the person knows that, or is reckless as to whether, the certificate has been given; and

(c) the person intentionally, knowingly or recklessly does something (the "disclosure action") that discloses, or is likely to lead to the disclosure of, the operative's identity or where the operative lives; and

(d) the person knows that, or is reckless as to whether, the certificate has not been cancelled under section 13 before the person does the disclosure action; and

(e) the person knows that, or is reckless as to whether, the disclosure action is not –

(i) authorised by leave or an order under section 11 ; or

(ii) permitted under section 14 .

Penalty:  Imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years.

(2)  A person is guilty of an offence against this subsection if the person commits an offence against subsection (1) in circumstances in which the person –

(a) intends to endanger the health or safety of any person or prejudice the effective conduct of an investigation; or

(b) knows that, or is reckless as to whether, the disclosure action –

(i) endangers or will endanger the health or safety of any person; or

(ii) prejudices or will prejudice the effective conduct of an investigation.

Penalty:  Imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years.