Contempt of courtVerified against official source

Superior court committal (s. 14(1))

Imprisonment

0 (no mandatory prison) – 2 years

Fine

Unlimited fine

0 = the law sets no minimum prison term. The court is not required to impose prison. Depending on the offence, jurisdiction, and case, it may instead impose a non-custodial sentence — e.g. a suspended sentence, community order / probation, a fine, or a discharge.

Fixed term; court may order earlier discharge.

Inferior court committal (s. 14(1)–(2))

Imprisonment

0 (no mandatory prison) – 1 month

Fine

£2,500 (s. 14(2) as amended; enacted text £500)

0 = the law sets no minimum prison term. The court is not required to impose prison. Depending on the offence, jurisdiction, and case, it may instead impose a non-custodial sentence — e.g. a suspended sentence, community order / probation, a fine, or a discharge.

CPIA 1996 s. 18 — misuse of disclosed prosecution material (magistrates' court)

Imprisonment

0 (no mandatory prison) – 6 months

Fine

£5,000 (magistrates' court)

0 = the law sets no minimum prison term. The court is not required to impose prison. Depending on the offence, jurisdiction, and case, it may instead impose a non-custodial sentence — e.g. a suspended sentence, community order / probation, a fine, or a discharge.

Crown Court route under s. 18: 0–2 years / unlimited fine.

CPIA 1996 s. 18 — misuse of disclosed prosecution material (Crown Court)

Imprisonment

0 (no mandatory prison) – 2 years

Fine

Unlimited fine

0 = the law sets no minimum prison term. The court is not required to impose prison. Depending on the offence, jurisdiction, and case, it may instead impose a non-custodial sentence — e.g. a suspended sentence, community order / probation, a fine, or a discharge.