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Northern Ireland State law
Northern Ireland — NI Orders + own statutes (Theft Act (NI) 1969, OAPA 1861 NI versions, Sexual Offences (NI) Order 2008, Firearms (NI) Order 2004, Domestic Abuse Act (NI) 2021, etc.)
Offences by family
Against the person
Administering poison or noxious substances Possibly — unconfirmed
Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.
Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed
s.22 — stupefying drugs to commit / assist an indictable offence Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–life (current revised maximum — re-check)
- Fine
- No fine stated (re-check)
s.23 — poison/noxious thing endangering life or causing GBH Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–10 years (current revised maximum — re-check)
- Fine
- No fine stated (re-check)
s.24 — poison/noxious thing to injure, aggrieve or annoy Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–5 years (current revised maximum — re-check)
- Fine
- No fine stated (re-check)
As-enacted text (penal servitude) was read, but the CURRENT revised maxima were not read in the current NI text in this pass. The tiers below state the current revised maxima as commonly given; they must be re-checked against the current NI version on legislation.gov.uk before being presented as verified.
Assault (aggravated) Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
ABH (s.47) — summary with consent
- Imprisonment
- 0–12 months
- Fine
- £0–£5,000 (statutory maximum)
ABH (s.47) — indictment
- Imprisonment
- 0–7 years
- Fine
- Unlimited (see fine-cap note)
NI maximum is 7 years, not the 5 years in E+W.
Malicious wounding / GBH (s.20) — summary with consent
- Imprisonment
- 0–12 months
- Fine
- £0–£5,000 (statutory maximum)
Malicious wounding / GBH (s.20) — indictment
- Imprisonment
- 0–7 years
- Fine
- Unlimited (see fine-cap note)
NI maximum is 7 years, not the 5 years in E+W.
Wounding / GBH with intent (s.18) — indictment only
- Imprisonment
- Up to life
- Fine
- Unlimited (see fine-cap note)
With intent to cause GBH or to resist/prevent lawful apprehension.
Summary-with-consent tiers per Magistrates' Courts (NI) Order 1981 Art 45 and NI Assembly (2015) answer. s.18 text reads 'penal servitude for life'; the modern equivalent is imprisonment for life.
Assault (simple) Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
Common assault (s.42) — summary
- Imprisonment
- 0–6 months
- Fine
- £0–£1,000 (level 3)
6-month maximum set by Justice Act (NI) 2011 s.51.
Common assault (s.47 NI limb) — indictment
- Imprisonment
- 0–2 years
- Fine
- Unlimited (see fine-cap note)
The NI version of s.47 carries its own common-assault-on-indictment limb; no E+W equivalent.
Common assault (indictable) tried summarily with consent
- Imprisonment
- 0–12 months
- Fine
- £0–£5,000 (statutory maximum)
Per Magistrates' Courts (NI) Order 1981 Art 45 and NI Assembly (2015) answer.
s.42's printed text still reads £200; Judiciary NI sentencing guideline and the NI Assembly (2015) Ministerial answer both state the summary fine is level 3 (£1,000); the standard-scale figure is used. Summary-with-consent tier per Magistrates' Courts (NI) Order 1981 Art 45.
Child destruction Verification pending
No reliable figure exists yet for this entry. No figure is shown.
No penalty range is stated here because no official text was read in this pass.
Concealment of birth Verification pending
No reliable figure exists yet for this entry. No figure is shown.
OAPA 1861 s.60: secretly disposing of the dead body of a child to conceal its birth. No penalty range is stated here because no official text was read in this pass.
Conspiracy or solicitation to murder Possibly — unconfirmed
Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.
Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed
Conspiring or soliciting to commit murder (on indictment) Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–life (Hansard-corroborated — re-check)
- Fine
- No fine stated (re-check)
Range corroborated by the 1977 Hansard record: the Criminal Law (Amendment) (NI) Order 1977 raised the maximum from 10 years to life, matching the Criminal Law Act 1977 for E&W. The OAPA s.4 text itself was not read in this pass.
Corporate manslaughter Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
On indictment
- Imprisonment
- No imprisonment (organisation only)
- Fine
- Fine (unlimited)
Plus possible remedial order (s.9) and publicity order (s.10).
s.1(6) verified: fine on conviction on indictment. The fine is unlimited (Explanatory Notes). No imprisonment can be imposed on an organisation. Court may also impose remedial and publicity orders (ss.9–10).
Domestic violence Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
Domestic abuse offence (s.1, course of behaviour) — summary
- Imprisonment
- 0–12 months
- Fine
- £0–£5,000 (statutory maximum)
Domestic abuse offence (s.1) — indictment
- Imprisonment
- 0–14 years
- Fine
- Unlimited (see fine-cap note)
s.14 penalty text read from legislation.gov.uk (indexed Act text + Explanatory Notes, which confirm: summary 12 months / £5,000; indictment 14 years).
Encouraging or assisting suicide Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
Encouraging or assisting suicide / attempted suicide (on indictment)
- Imprisonment
- 0–14 years
- Fine
- No fine stated in s.13
Attorney-General's consent required for proceedings (s.13(5)).
s.13(1C) verified: triable on indictment, up to 14 years. The offence is complete whether or not suicide/attempt occurs (s.13(1B)).
Harassment Possibly — unconfirmed
Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.
Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed
Art 4 — harassment Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–6 months (summary only — re-check Art 4 penalty text)
- Fine
- Fine up to the statutory maximum or both
Course of conduct (2+ occasions) amounting to harassment.
Art 6 — putting people in fear of violence, on indictment Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–7 years
- Fine
- Fine (unlimited) or both
Art 6 — putting people in fear of violence, summary Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–6 months
- Fine
- Fine up to the statutory maximum or both
Art 7 — breach of restraining order, on indictment Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–5 years
- Fine
- Fine (unlimited) or both
Art 7 — breach of restraining order, summary Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–6 months
- Fine
- Fine up to the statutory maximum or both
Art 6 (7 years) and Art 7 (5 years) penalty text read directly. Art 4 penalty text was NOT read in this pass; the Art 4 tier below is flagged accordingly and must be re-checked.
Hate crime Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
Offence aggravated by hostility (Criminal Justice (No. 2) (NI) Order 2004 Art 2) — enhancement, not an offence
- Imprisonment
- No separate term — within the underlying offence's maximum
- Fine
- No separate fine — within the underlying offence's range
Court must treat hostility as an aggravating factor and state in open court that the offence was so aggravated. Covers hostility based on membership (or presumed membership) of a racial group, religious group or sexual orientation group, or a disability (or presumed disability), whether demonstrated or motivating. Adds no range of its own.
Stirring up hatred / arousing fear (Public Order (NI) Order 1987 Arts 9-13) — summary
- Imprisonment
- 0–6 months
- Fine
- £0–£5,000 (statutory maximum)
Covers: use of words/behaviour or display of written material (Art 9); publishing/distributing written material (Art 10); distributing/showing/playing a recording (Art 11); broadcasting / programme service (Art 12); possession of matter intended or likely to stir up hatred or arouse fear (Art 13). Each of Arts 9-13 creates one offence (Art 16(2)).
Stirring up hatred / arousing fear (Public Order (NI) Order 1987 Arts 9-13) — on indictment
- Imprisonment
- 0–7 years
- Fine
- Unlimited fine
Statutory maxima as written in the legislation. Art 2 creates no separate range. The stirring-up offences cover hatred/fear defined by religious belief, sexual orientation, disability, colour, race, nationality (including citizenship) or ethnic or national origins (Art 8). Last verified 2026-10-19 against legislation.gov.uk.
Homicide — manslaughter Possibly — unconfirmed
Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.
Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed
Voluntary manslaughter Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–life
- Fine
- Unlimited (at court's discretion)
Partial defences reducing murder: loss of control, diminished responsibility, suicide pact.
Involuntary manslaughter Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–life
- Fine
- Unlimited (at court's discretion)
Unlawful-act manslaughter or gross-negligence manslaughter.
No statute sets the penalty; the court has discretion up to life.
Homicide — murder Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
Murder — fixed sentence
- Imprisonment
- Life (mandatory)
- Fine
- No fine stated
Fixed by law — life imprisonment is mandatory, not a range. The Murder (Abolition of Death Penalty) Act 1965 did not extend to NI; abolition for NI came via the 1973 Act s.1.
Human trafficking and modern slavery Possibly — unconfirmed
Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.
Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed
s.1 — slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour (on indictment) Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–life
- Fine
- No fine stated in s.1(6)
Indictment only.
s.2 — human trafficking (on indictment) Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–life (reported — re-check against s.2 penalty subsection)
- Fine
- No fine stated (re-check)
Indictment only. Range not read in Act text in this pass.
s.4 — preparatory offences Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–10 years (Explanatory Notes — re-check); 0–life if by kidnapping / false imprisonment
- Fine
- Fine (re-check)
Summary: 6 months and/or fine (per Explanatory Notes).
s.1(6) verified (life). s.2 and s.4 ranges were not read in the Act text in this pass (s.4 figures come from the Act's Explanatory Notes, a secondary source) — re-check s.2 and s.4 against the Act text.
Infanticide Possibly — unconfirmed
Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.
Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed
Infanticide (on indictment) Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- As for manslaughter — up to life (common-law maximum, re-check)
- Fine
- As for manslaughter (re-check)
Punished as manslaughter per s.1(1).
Statute text verified: infanticide is 'dealt with and punished as if she had been guilty of the offence of manslaughter'. Manslaughter in NI is common law with a maximum of life; that common-law maximum was not read from an official source in this pass, hence PARTIAL.
Kidnapping and false imprisonment Verification pending
No reliable figure exists yet for this entry. No figure is shown.
Common-law offences with no statutory maximum; punishment is at large. No range is stated here because no official text was read in this pass.
Stalking Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
s.1 — stalking, summary
- Imprisonment
- 0–12 months
- Fine
- Fine up to the statutory maximum or both
Course of conduct (2+ occasions) causing fear, alarm or substantial distress.
s.1 — stalking, on indictment
- Imprisonment
- 0–10 years
- Fine
- Fine (unlimited) or both
s.2 — threatening or abusive behaviour, summary
- Imprisonment
- 0–12 months
- Fine
- Fine up to the statutory maximum or both
Single act or course of conduct.
s.2 — threatening or abusive behaviour, on indictment
- Imprisonment
- 0–5 years
- Fine
- Fine (unlimited) or both
Both tiers verified. Summary maximum is 12 months (not 6) — an NI divergence from the usual summary limit. s.2 is an alternative verdict on a s.1 charge.
Taking hostages Verification pending
No reliable figure exists yet for this entry. No figure is shown.
Taking of Hostages Act 1982 (UK-wide). No penalty range is stated here because no official text was read in this pass.
Threats to kill Possibly — unconfirmed
Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.
Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed
Threats to kill (on indictment) Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–10 years (corroborated — re-check)
- Fine
- No fine stated (re-check)
E&W equivalent (Criminal Law Act 1977 Sch 12) is also 10 years; NI substitution is to the same effect.
OAPA 1861 s.16 as substituted in NI by the Criminal Law (Amendment) (NI) Order 1977 Art 4. The 10-year maximum is corroborated by PPS written evidence to Parliament and by Hansard (the 1977 Order created the non-written threats offence at 10 years); the substituted NI text itself was not read in this pass.
Sexual offences
Sexual assault / rape Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
Rape (Art 5) — indictment
- Imprisonment
- Up to life
- Fine
- Unlimited (see fine-cap note)
Assault by penetration (Art 6) — indictment
- Imprisonment
- Up to life
- Fine
- Unlimited (see fine-cap note)
Sexual assault (Art 7) — summary
- Imprisonment
- 0–6 months
- Fine
- £0–£5,000 (statutory maximum)
Sexual assault (Art 7) — indictment
- Imprisonment
- 0–10 years
- Fine
- Unlimited (see fine-cap note)
Causing sexual activity without consent (Art 8) — with penetration, indictment
- Imprisonment
- Up to life
- Fine
- Unlimited (see fine-cap note)
Causing sexual activity without consent (Art 8) — otherwise, summary
- Imprisonment
- 0–6 months
- Fine
- £0–£5,000 (statutory maximum)
Causing sexual activity without consent (Art 8) — otherwise, indictment
- Imprisonment
- 0–10 years
- Fine
- Unlimited (see fine-cap note)
Property
Arson Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
Arson (on indictment)
- Imprisonment
- 0–life
- Fine
- No fine stated in Art 6(1)
Indictment only per Art 6(1).
Arson in NI is destroying/damaging property by fire under Art 3(1) read with Art 3(3). Common-law arson abolished by Art 13(1). Art 6(1) gives life for arson and for Art 3(2) offences.
Blackmail Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
On indictment
- Imprisonment
- 0–14 years
- Fine
- No fine stated in s.20(3)
Indictment only.
Theft Act (NI) 1969 s.20: unwarranted demand with menaces with a view to gain or intent to cause loss. Same 14-year maximum as E&W.
Burglary Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
Burglary (s.9) — indictment only
- Imprisonment
- 0–14 years
- Fine
- Unlimited (see fine-cap note)
Aggravated burglary (s.10) — indictment only
- Imprisonment
- Up to life
- Fine
- Unlimited (see fine-cap note)
Committed with a firearm / imitation firearm, weapon of offence or explosive at the time.
Criminal damage endangering life Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
Destroying/damaging property endangering life (on indictment)
- Imprisonment
- 0–life
- Fine
- No fine stated in Art 6(1)
Cannot be tried summarily (Art 9 excludes Art 3(2)).
Art 3(2): destroying/damaging property intending to endanger life or being reckless as to endangerment. Same life maximum as arson under Art 6(1). NI divergence: E&W equivalent (Criminal Damage Act 1971 s.1(2)) also carries life.
Going equipped for stealing etc. Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
On indictment
- Imprisonment
- 0–3 years
- Fine
- No fine stated in s.24(2)
Theft Act (NI) 1969 s.24: having with oneself, away from home, an article for use in the course of or in connection with burglary, theft or cheating. Offences under s.12(2) and Art 172 are treated as theft for this section.
Handling stolen goods Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
On indictment
- Imprisonment
- 0–14 years
- Fine
- No fine stated in s.21(2)
Indictment only.
Theft Act (NI) 1969 s.21: dishonestly receiving, retaining, removing, disposing of or realising stolen goods, or arranging to do so, knowing/believing them stolen. 14 years on indictment, as in E&W.
Possessing articles for criminal damage Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
On indictment
- Imprisonment
- 0–14 years
- Fine
- No fine stated in Art 6(2)
Art 5 text summarised from the Order's parliamentary record; penalty text read directly in Art 6(2).
Art 5: having custody/control of anything intending without lawful excuse to use it (or cause/permit another to use it) to destroy/damage property. Penalty via Art 6(2): 14 years on indictment (NI divergence: E&W 10 years).
Robbery Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
Robbery / assault with intent to rob (s.8(2)) — indictment only
- Imprisonment
- Up to life
- Fine
- Unlimited (see fine-cap note)
Taking a conveyance without authority Possibly — unconfirmed
Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.
Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed
s.12(2) — other conveyances, summary Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–6 months
- Fine
- Fine up to level 3 on the standard scale
s.12(2) — other conveyances, on indictment Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–3 years
- Fine
- No fine stated in s.12(3)(a)
Art 172 — motor vehicle / trailer / cycle Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- Not verified in this pass
- Fine
- Not verified in this pass
Art 172 creates the offence; its penalty sits in the Road Traffic Offenders (NI) Order 1996 Sch 1 and needs a direct read.
Art 172A — aggravated vehicle-taking Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- Not verified in this pass
- Fine
- Not verified in this pass
Aggravated taking (dangerous driving / accident / damage / injury after taking) — penalty not read in this pass.
s.12(2) ranges verified. Art 172 penalty (set in the Road Traffic Offenders (NI) Order 1996 Schedule 1) was not read in this pass — re-check before presenting the motor-vehicle tier as verified.
Theft Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
Theft (s.7) — indictment only
- Imprisonment
- 0–10 years
- Fine
- Unlimited (see fine-cap note)
NI maximum for theft is 10 years — higher than the 7 years in the E+W Theft Act 1968.
Threats to destroy or damage property Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
On indictment
- Imprisonment
- 0–14 years
- Fine
- No fine stated in Art 6(2)
Summary maximum not stated in Art 6; summary trial is possible under Art 9.
Art 4: threat to destroy/damage another's or a third person's property, or one's own property in a way known likely to endanger life, intending the person threatened to fear it will be carried out. Art 6(2) gives 14 years on indictment for any non-arson/Art 3(2) offence under the Order — NI divergence: E&W equivalent max is 10 years.
Vandalism / criminal damage Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
Destroying / damaging property (Art 3(1)) — indictment
- Imprisonment
- 0–14 years
- Fine
- Unlimited (see fine-cap note)
Destroying / damaging property (Art 3(1)) — summary with prosecutor consent (Art 9(1))
- Imprisonment
- 0–2 years
- Fine
- £0–£5,000 (level 5)
Destroying / damaging property endangering life (Art 3(2)) — indictment
- Imprisonment
- Up to life
- Fine
- Unlimited (see fine-cap note)
Indictment only — not covered by Art 9(1).
Arson (Art 3 by fire) — indictment
- Imprisonment
- Up to life
- Fine
- Unlimited (see fine-cap note)
Indictment only — not covered by Art 9(1).
Threats to destroy / damage property (Art 4) — indictment
- Imprisonment
- 0–14 years
- Fine
- Unlimited (see fine-cap note)
Threats to destroy / damage property (Art 4) — summary with prosecutor consent (Art 9(1))
- Imprisonment
- 0–2 years
- Fine
- £0–£5,000 (level 5)
Possessing anything with intent to destroy / damage (Art 5) — indictment
- Imprisonment
- 0–14 years
- Fine
- Unlimited (see fine-cap note)
Possessing anything with intent to destroy / damage (Art 5) — summary with prosecutor consent (Art 9(1))
- Imprisonment
- 0–2 years
- Fine
- £0–£5,000 (level 5)
Art 6: arson or Art 3(2) → life; any other offence under the Order → up to 14 years on indictment.
Vehicle interference Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
Summary
- Imprisonment
- 0–3 months
- Fine
- Fine up to £500 (as enacted)
Summary only.
Criminal Attempts and Conspiracy (NI) Order 1983 Art 8: interfering with a motor vehicle/trailer or anything in/on it intending theft of the vehicle/part/contents or an Art 172 taking. Summary only; £500 fine is the as-enacted figure.
Fraud & financial
Counterfeiting Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
Summary
- Imprisonment
- 0–6 months
- Fine
- Fine up to the statutory maximum (£5,000 in NI)
On indictment — ss.14(1), 15(1), 16(1), 17(1)
- Imprisonment
- 0–10 years
- Fine
- Fine (unlimited) or both
Counterfeiting / passing / tendering / delivering with intent.
On indictment — ss.14(2), 15(2), 16(2), 17(2), 17(3)
- Imprisonment
- 0–2 years
- Fine
- Fine (unlimited) or both
Counterfeiting / passing etc. without lawful authority or excuse; possession.
ss.18–19 — import/export and related prohibitions
- Imprisonment
- No imprisonment stated in s.22(5)
- Fine
- Fine only
Summary: fine up to statutory maximum; indictment: fine.
Penalties in s.22. Summary: fine up to the statutory maximum and/or 6 months. Indictment: 10 years for ss.14(1), 15(1), 16(1), 17(1); 2 years for ss.14(2), 15(2), 16(2), 17(2), 17(3). ss.18–19 (prohibition on import/export and making of counterfeits without consent) are fine-only.
False accounting Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
s.17 False accounting (on indictment)
- Imprisonment
- 0–7 years
- Fine
- No fine stated in ss.17–18
s.18 False statements by company directors etc. (on indictment)
- Imprisonment
- 0–7 years
- Fine
- No fine stated in ss.17–18
Theft Act (NI) 1969 ss.17–18: dishonest falsification of accounts/records or use of misleading accounts, and company officers publishing misleading statements. Both 7 years on indictment.
Forgery Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
Summary
- Imprisonment
- 0–6 months
- Fine
- Fine up to the statutory maximum (£5,000 in NI)
On indictment — ss.1, 2, 3, 4, 5(1), 5(3)
- Imprisonment
- 0–10 years
- Fine
- No fine stated in s.6(2)
On indictment — ss.5(2), 5(4)
- Imprisonment
- 0–2 years
- Fine
- No fine stated in s.6(4)
Possession of certain false instruments / making or possessing specified articles without lawful authority.
Penalties in s.6. Summary: fine up to the statutory maximum and/or 6 months. Indictment: 10 years for ss.1, 2, 3, 4, 5(1), 5(3); 2 years for ss.5(2), 5(4). NI statutory maximum is £5,000 (Fines and Penalties (NI) Order 1984).
Fraud Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
Fraud (s.1, by ss.2–4) — summary
- Imprisonment
- 0–6 months (NI)
- Fine
- £0–£5,000 (statutory maximum)
False representation, failure to disclose, abuse of position.
Fraud (s.1) — indictment
- Imprisonment
- 0–10 years
- Fine
- Unlimited (see fine-cap note)
Obtaining services dishonestly (s.11) — summary
- Imprisonment
- 0–6 months (NI)
- Fine
- £0–£5,000 (statutory maximum)
Obtaining services dishonestly (s.11) — indictment
- Imprisonment
- 0–5 years
- Fine
- Unlimited (see fine-cap note)
Possession of articles for use in fraud (s.6) — summary
- Imprisonment
- 0–6 months (NI)
- Fine
- £0–£5,000 (statutory maximum)
Possession of articles for use in fraud (s.6) — indictment
- Imprisonment
- 0–5 years
- Fine
- Unlimited (see fine-cap note)
Making / supplying articles for use in fraud (s.7) — summary
- Imprisonment
- 0–6 months (NI)
- Fine
- £0–£5,000 (statutory maximum)
Making / supplying articles for use in fraud (s.7) — indictment
- Imprisonment
- 0–10 years
- Fine
- Unlimited (see fine-cap note)
s.1/s.6/s.7/s.11 summary custody is 6 months in NI (the Act's 12-month figure is expressly cut to 6 months for NI).
Insider dealing Verification pending
No reliable figure exists yet for this entry. No figure is shown.
Criminal Justice Act 1993 Part V (UK-wide). No penalty range is stated here because no official text was read in this pass.
Intellectual property offences Verification pending
No reliable figure exists yet for this entry. No figure is shown.
No penalty range is stated here because no official text was read in this pass.
Money laundering Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
ss.327–329 — summary
- Imprisonment
- 0–6 months
- Fine
- Fine up to the statutory maximum or both
ss.327–329 — on indictment
- Imprisonment
- 0–14 years
- Fine
- Fine (unlimited) or both
ss.330–332 — failure to disclose, summary
- Imprisonment
- 0–6 months
- Fine
- Fine up to the statutory maximum or both
ss.330–332 — failure to disclose, on indictment
- Imprisonment
- 0–5 years
- Fine
- Fine (unlimited) or both
Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 Part 7 (UK-wide). Principal offences ss.327–329 (concealing, arrangement, acquisition/use/possession). Disclosure offences ss.330–332 (failure to disclose) carry 5 years on indictment.
Tax evasion Verification pending
No reliable figure exists yet for this entry. No figure is shown.
No penalty range is stated here because no official text was read in this pass. Cheating the public revenue is common law (no statutory maximum); statutory offences carry their own maxima.
Drugs
Drug possession Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
Class A — summary
- Imprisonment
- 0–6 months
- Fine
- £0–£5,000 (prescribed sum)
Class A — indictment
- Imprisonment
- 0–7 years
- Fine
- Unlimited (see fine-cap note)
Class B — summary
- Imprisonment
- 0–3 months
- Fine
- £0–£2,500
Class B — indictment
- Imprisonment
- 0–5 years
- Fine
- Unlimited (see fine-cap note)
Class C — summary
- Imprisonment
- 0–3 months
- Fine
- £0–£1,000
Class C — indictment
- Imprisonment
- 0–2 years
- Fine
- Unlimited (see fine-cap note)
Sch 4 summary custody for Class A is 6 months in the NI application (the 12-month bracket is the E+W variant); the 'prescribed sum' is £5,000 in NI (Fines and Penalties (NI) Order 1984). Possession tiers are by drug class only — the Act sets no quantity tiers.
Drug trafficking / sale Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
Production (s.4(2)) / Supply (s.4(3)) — summary, Class A
- Imprisonment
- 0–6 months
- Fine
- £0–£5,000 (prescribed sum)
Production (s.4(2)) / Supply (s.4(3)) — summary, Class B
- Imprisonment
- 0–6 months
- Fine
- £0–£5,000 (prescribed sum)
Production (s.4(2)) / Supply (s.4(3)) — summary, Class C
- Imprisonment
- 0–3 months
- Fine
- £0–£2,500
Production (s.4(2)) / Supply (s.4(3)) — indictment, Class A
- Imprisonment
- Up to life
- Fine
- Unlimited (see fine-cap note)
Production (s.4(2)) / Supply (s.4(3)) — indictment, Class B
- Imprisonment
- 0–14 years
- Fine
- Unlimited (see fine-cap note)
Production (s.4(2)) / Supply (s.4(3)) — indictment, Class C
- Imprisonment
- 0–14 years
- Fine
- Unlimited (see fine-cap note)
Possession with intent to supply (s.5(3)) — summary
- Imprisonment
- Class A/B: 0–6 months; Class C: 0–3 months
- Fine
- Same as supply (Class A/B: £0–£5,000; Class C: £0–£2,500)
Sch 4 gives s.5(3) the same summary penalties as supply.
Possession with intent to supply (s.5(3)) — indictment, Class A
- Imprisonment
- Up to life
- Fine
- Unlimited (see fine-cap note)
Possession with intent to supply (s.5(3)) — indictment, Class B/C
- Imprisonment
- 0–14 years
- Fine
- Unlimited (see fine-cap note)
No quantity thresholds in the Act — tiers are by drug class and mode of trial only. Never framed as amounts a person may carry/sell.
Weapons
Explosives offences Possibly — unconfirmed
Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.
Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed
s.2 — causing explosion likely to endanger life or cause serious injury to property Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–life
- Fine
- No fine stated in s.2
Whether injury actually caused is immaterial.
s.3 — attempt to cause explosion / making or keeping explosive with intent to endanger life or property Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–life
- Fine
- No fine stated in s.3
As amended; explosive substance forfeited.
s.4 — making or possessing explosive under suspicious circumstances Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–14 years (as-enacted wording — re-check current text)
- Fine
- No fine stated in s.4
As-enacted text says penal servitude up to 14 years; current revised wording not confirmed in this pass.
ss.2–3 penalty text read directly (life). s.4 text read in as-enacted form (penal servitude, 14 years); its current revised wording needs a re-check. The 1977 NI Order raised the s.3 maximum from 20 years to life (Hansard). OAPA ss.28–30 ranges were not read in this pass and are not stated.
Weapons offences Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
Possession of handgun without certificate (Art 3(1)(a)) — indictment
- Imprisonment
- 0–10 years (Art 70 minimum: 5 years if aged 21+, 3 years if 16–20, unless exceptional circumstances)
- Fine
- Unlimited (see fine-cap note)
Possession of other firearm without certificate (Art 3(1)(b)) — summary
- Imprisonment
- 0–1 year
- Fine
- £0–£5,000 (statutory maximum)
Possession of other firearm without certificate (Art 3(1)(b)) — indictment
- Imprisonment
- 0–5 years (0–7 years if aggravated form, Art 67(4))
- Fine
- Unlimited (see fine-cap note)
Prohibited weapons (Art 45(1)(a)–(e),(g), (2)(a)) — indictment
- Imprisonment
- 0–10 years (Art 70 minimum applies)
- Fine
- Unlimited (see fine-cap note)
Manufacture, dealing or possession.
Possession with intent to endanger life / cause serious damage to property (Art 58(1)) — indictment
- Imprisonment
- Up to life
- Fine
- Unlimited (see fine-cap note)
Possession with intent to cause fear of violence (Art 58(2)) — indictment
- Imprisonment
- 0–10 years
- Fine
- Unlimited (see fine-cap note)
Use / attempted use to resist arrest (Art 59(1)); possession while committing Sch 4 offence (Art 59(2)) — indictment
- Imprisonment
- Up to life
- Fine
- Unlimited (see fine-cap note)
Carrying firearm with criminal intent (Art 60(1)) — indictment
- Imprisonment
- Up to life
- Fine
- Unlimited (see fine-cap note)
Carrying firearm in a public place (Art 61(1)) — summary
- Imprisonment
- 0–1 year
- Fine
- £0–£5,000 (statutory maximum; level 5 if air gun)
Summary unavailable for the Art 3(1)(a)/Art 45 specified firearms.
Carrying firearm in a public place (Art 61(1)) — indictment
- Imprisonment
- 0–10 years (imitation firearm: 0–12 months)
- Fine
- Unlimited (see fine-cap note)
Trespassing with firearm in a building (Art 62(1)) — summary
- Imprisonment
- 0–1 year
- Fine
- £0–£5,000 (statutory maximum)
Trespassing with firearm in a building (Art 62(1)) — indictment
- Imprisonment
- 0–10 years
- Fine
- Unlimited (see fine-cap note)
Possession in suspicious circumstances (Art 64) — summary
- Imprisonment
- 0–2 years
- Fine
- £0–£5,000 (statutory maximum)
Possession in suspicious circumstances (Art 64) — indictment
- Imprisonment
- 0–10 years
- Fine
- Unlimited (see fine-cap note)
Art 70 minimum applies to Art 3(1)(a), Art 45(1)(a),(aa),(b),(c),(d),(e),(ea),(fa),(g), Art 45(2)(a) and the Art 58–62 offences listed in Art 70(1A), for offenders aged 16+ at the time of the offence, unless the court finds exceptional circumstances.
Public order
Affray Verification pending
No reliable figure exists yet for this entry. No figure is shown.
Common-law offence with no statutory maximum. No range is stated here because no official text was read in this pass.
Bomb hoaxes Possibly — unconfirmed
Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.
Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed
Summary Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–3 months
- Fine
- Fine up to £1,000 (as stated in Hansard — re-check)
On indictment Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–5 years
- Fine
- No fine stated (re-check)
Ranges corroborated by the 1977 Hansard record of the Order (summary 3 months / £1,000 fine; indictment 5 years). The Order text itself was not read in this pass — re-check against legislation.gov.uk.
Disorderly behaviour and related public order offences Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
Art 18(1) — disorderly behaviour / behaviour likely to cause breach of the peace, summary
- Imprisonment
- 0–6 months
- Fine
- Fine up to level 5 on the standard scale or both
Art 18(3) — riotous behaviour, summary
- Imprisonment
- 0–12 months
- Fine
- Fine up to level 5 on the standard scale or both
Art 19 — provocative conduct, summary
- Imprisonment
- 0–6 months
- Fine
- Fine up to level 5 on the standard scale or both
Threatening/abusive/insulting words, behaviour or displays intended to provoke a breach of the peace.
Art 20 — obstructive sitting etc. in a public place, summary
- Imprisonment
- 0–1 month
- Fine
- Fine up to level 3 on the standard scale or both
Wilfully obstructing traffic or hindering lawful activity.
All tiers verified from Art 18–20 text. 'Riotous behaviour' (Art 18(3)) carries 12 months, vs 6 months for disorderly behaviour (Art 18(1)).
Riot Verification pending
No reliable figure exists yet for this entry. No figure is shown.
Common-law offence with no statutory maximum; punishment is at large. No range is stated here because no official text was read in this pass.
Against the state
Electoral offences Verification pending
No reliable figure exists yet for this entry. No figure is shown.
No penalty range is stated here because no official text was read in this pass.
Official secrets Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
ss.1–7, 8(2)–(3), 8(6) — summary
- Imprisonment
- 0–6 months
- Fine
- Fine up to the statutory maximum or both
ss.1–7, 8(2)–(3), 8(6) — on indictment
- Imprisonment
- 0–2 years
- Fine
- Fine (unlimited) or both
s.8(1), (4), (5) — summary only
- Imprisonment
- 0–3 months
- Fine
- Fine up to level 5 on the standard scale or both
Withholding / failing to return official information.
1989 Act s.10 verified. 1911/1920 Act penalties were not read in this pass and are not stated.
Organized crime Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
Encouraging / assisting (ss.44-45) or s.46 single reference offence — anticipated / reference offence is murder
- Imprisonment
- 0–life
- Fine
- No fine stated in s.58(2)
Per s.58(2). Applies whether or not the anticipated offence is actually committed.
Encouraging / assisting (ss.44-45) or s.46 single reference offence — other anticipated / reference offence
- Imprisonment
- Same maximum as for the anticipated / reference offence (indictment maximum for either-way offences)
- Fine
- Same fine as for the anticipated / reference offence
Per s.58(3). No fixed range in s.58 itself.
s.46 by reference to more than one offence — one reference offence is murder
- Imprisonment
- 0–life
- Fine
- No fine stated in s.58(5)
Per s.58(5).
s.46 by reference to more than one offence — none is murder, at least one punishable with imprisonment
- Imprisonment
- 0–highest maximum of the reference offences
- Fine
- Fine (s.58(6)(b))
Per s.58(6). For either-way reference offences the indictment maximum applies (s.58(9)).
s.46 by reference to more than one offence — none punishable with imprisonment
- Imprisonment
- No imprisonment
- Fine
- Fine only
Per s.58(7).
Breach of a serious crime prevention order (s.25) — summary (NI reading)
- Imprisonment
- 0–6 months
- Fine
- £0–£5,000 (statutory maximum)
Per s.25(2)(a) as read for NI (s.25(3): 12 months reads as 6 months in NI).
Breach of a serious crime prevention order (s.25) — on indictment
- Imprisonment
- 0–5 years
- Fine
- Unlimited fine
POCA 2002 ss.327-329 — money laundering — summary
- Imprisonment
- 0–6 months
- Fine
- £0–£5,000 (statutory maximum)
Penalty in s.334(1)(a), as written (6 months).
POCA 2002 ss.327-329 — money laundering — on indictment
- Imprisonment
- 0–14 years
- Fine
- Unlimited fine
Penalty in s.334(1)(b).
POCA 2002 ss.330-332 — failure to disclose money laundering — summary
- Imprisonment
- 0–6 months
- Fine
- £0–£5,000 (statutory maximum)
Penalty in s.334(2)(a), as written (6 months).
POCA 2002 ss.330-332 — failure to disclose money laundering — on indictment
- Imprisonment
- 0–5 years
- Fine
- Unlimited fine
Penalty in s.334(2)(b).
Slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour (2015 Act (NI) s.1) — on indictment only
- Imprisonment
- 0–life
- Fine
- No fine stated in s.1(6)
Indictment only; the section states no summary tier. Consent irrelevant (s.1(5)).
Human trafficking (2015 Act (NI) s.2) — on indictment only
- Imprisonment
- 0–life
- Fine
- No fine stated in s.2(9)
Indictment only; the section states no summary tier. Arranging/facilitating travel with a view to exploitation; consent irrelevant (s.2(5)).
Committing an offence with intent to commit a s.1/s.2 offence (2015 Act (NI) s.4) — summary
- Imprisonment
- 0–6 months
- Fine
- £0–£5,000 (statutory maximum)
Committing an offence with intent to commit a s.1/s.2 offence (2015 Act (NI) s.4) — on indictment
- Imprisonment
- 0–10 years
- Fine
- No fine stated in s.4(2)(a)
Life on indictment where the s.4 offence is committed by kidnapping or false imprisonment (s.4(3)).
Committing an offence with intent to commit a s.1/s.2 offence, by kidnapping or false imprisonment (2015 Act (NI) s.4(3)) — on indictment
- Imprisonment
- 0–life
- Fine
- No fine stated in s.4(3)
Conspiracy (Criminal Attempts and Conspiracy (NI) Order 1983 Arts 9, 11) — on indictment only
- Imprisonment
- 0–life where the target offence is murder, fixed by law, carries a life maximum, or has no stated maximum; otherwise 0–target offence's indictment maximum; fine only where the target offence is not imprisonable
- Fine
- Fine (Art 11(1)(b); Criminal Law Act (NI) 1967 s.7(3) general power)
Penalty follows the target offence (Art 11(2)-(3)). Indictment only; no summary tier. Conspiracy to defraud carries its own 10-year maximum (Criminal Justice (Serious Fraud) (NI) Order 1988 Art 11(3)) and is not tiered here.
Statutory maxima as written in the legislation. Summary fines are the statutory maximum (£5,000 in NI). The brief cited the Criminal Justice (NI) Order 2008; no penalty figure from that Order is tiered here (it is a sentencing Order and contains no standalone organised-crime offence). Last verified 2026-10-19 against legislation.gov.uk.
Terrorism Possibly — unconfirmed
Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.
Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed
TA 2000 s.54 — weapons training, summary Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–6 months
- Fine
- Fine up to the statutory maximum or both
Providing, receiving or inviting instruction/training in firearms, explosives, chemical/biological/nuclear weapons.
TA 2000 s.54 — weapons training, on indictment Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–10 years
- Fine
- Fine (unlimited) or both
Other terrorism offences (TA 2000 / TA 2006) Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- No range stated — direct read required
- Fine
- No range stated — direct read required
Ranges not verified in this pass.
Only the s.54 weapons-training range was read directly in this pass. Other terrorism maxima (e.g. TA 2000 ss.11–12, 15–18, 56–58; TA 2006 ss.1, 5) were NOT verified here and no figures are stated for them — re-check each against legislation.gov.uk before presenting.
Treason Verification pending
No reliable figure exists yet for this entry. No figure is shown.
Treason Act 1351 (high treason) and Treason Felony Act 1848 (treason felony) apply in NI. Death penalty for treason was abolished; no penalty range is stated here because no official text was read in this pass.
Traffic & transport
Causing death or grievous bodily injury by driving Possibly — unconfirmed
Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.
Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed
Art 9 — causing death / GBH by dangerous driving (on indictment) Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–14 years
- Fine
- Fine (unlimited) or both
Obligatory disqualification (min 2 years); 3–11 points.
Art 14 — causing death / GBH by careless driving when under influence of drink or drugs (on indictment) Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–14 years
- Fine
- Fine (unlimited) or both
Obligatory disqualification; 3–11 points.
Art 11A — causing death / GBH by careless or inconsiderate driving Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- No range stated — direct read required
- Fine
- No range stated — direct read required
Inserted 2008; penalty sits in Offenders Order Sch 1 — re-check.
Arts 9 and 14 verified at 14 years (Offenders Order Sch 1 as amended — raised from the original 10 years). Art 11A penalty was NOT read in this pass and no figure is stated for it.
Dangerous and careless driving Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
Art 10 — dangerous driving, summary
- Imprisonment
- 0–6 months
- Fine
- Fine up to the statutory maximum or both
Obligatory disqualification; 3–11 penalty points.
Art 10 — dangerous driving, on indictment
- Imprisonment
- 0–5 years
- Fine
- Fine (unlimited) or both
Obligatory disqualification; 3–11 penalty points.
Art 12 — careless / inconsiderate driving, summary
- Imprisonment
- No imprisonment stated
- Fine
- Fine up to level 5 on the standard scale
Discretionary disqualification; 3–9 penalty points.
Penalties verified from the Road Traffic Offenders (NI) Order 1996 Sch 1 (as amended): Art 10 indictment maximum is now 5 years (raised from the original 2 years); Art 12 is summary-only at level 5 (raised from level 4). Disqualification is obligatory on conviction.
Driving without a licence, insurance, or while disqualified Verification pending
No reliable figure exists yet for this entry. No figure is shown.
No penalty range is stated here because no official text was read in this pass.
DUI / drink driving Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
Driving / attempting to drive with excess alcohol (Art 16(1)(a)) — summary
- Imprisonment
- 0–6 months
- Fine
- £0–£5,000 (level 5)
Obligatory disqualification + endorsement, 3–11 penalty points.
In charge with excess alcohol (Art 16(1)(b)) — summary
- Imprisonment
- 0–3 months
- Fine
- £0–£2,500 (level 4)
Discretionary disqualification; 10 penalty points.
Driving / attempting to drive while unfit through drink or drugs (Art 15(1)) — summary
- Imprisonment
- 0–6 months
- Fine
- £0–£5,000 (level 5)
Obligatory disqualification; 3–11 penalty points.
In charge while unfit (Art 15(2)) — summary
- Imprisonment
- 0–3 months
- Fine
- £0–£2,500 (level 4)
Discretionary disqualification; 10 penalty points.
Causing death or GBH by careless driving under influence (Art 14) — indictment
- Imprisonment
- 0–14 years
- Fine
- Unlimited (see fine-cap note)
Obligatory disqualification; 3–11 penalty points.
Failing to provide specimen for preliminary breath test (Art 17) — summary
- Imprisonment
- No imprisonment
- Fine
- £0–£1,000 (level 3)
Discretionary disqualification; 4 penalty points.
Statutory minimum disqualification periods were not verified from the retrieved text and are not stated — only that disqualification is obligatory for the driving offences.
Failing to stop or report after an accident Verification pending
No reliable figure exists yet for this entry. No figure is shown.
No penalty range is stated here because no official text was read in this pass. Citation needs confirmation.
Speeding Verification pending
No reliable figure exists yet for this entry. No figure is shown.
No penalty range is stated here because no official text was read in this pass. Citation needs confirmation (Road Traffic Regulation (NI) Order 1997).
Cyber & digital
Cybercrime / hacking Possibly — unconfirmed
Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.
Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed
Unauthorised access (s.1) — indictment Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–2 years
- Fine
- Unlimited (see fine-cap note)
Unauthorised access with intent to commit / facilitate further offence (s.2) — indictment Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–5 years
- Fine
- Unlimited (see fine-cap note)
Unauthorised acts impairing operation of computer (s.3) — indictment Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–10 years
- Fine
- Unlimited (see fine-cap note)
Unauthorised acts causing / creating risk of serious damage (s.3ZA) — indictment Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–14 years
- Fine
- Unlimited (see fine-cap note)
Unauthorised acts, serious damage to human welfare / national security (s.3ZA(7)) — indictment Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- Up to life
- Fine
- Unlimited (see fine-cap note)
Making / supplying / obtaining articles for use in s.1/3/3ZA offences (s.3A) — indictment Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–2 years
- Fine
- Unlimited (see fine-cap note)
Only indictment tiers are stated for NI (see verification note).
Environment & wildlife
Animal cruelty Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
s.4 unnecessary suffering / s.8(1)–(2) animal fighting — summary
- Imprisonment
- 0–12 months
- Fine
- Fine up to £20,000 or both
s.4 unnecessary suffering / s.8(1)–(2) animal fighting — on indictment
- Imprisonment
- 0–5 years
- Fine
- Fine (unlimited) or both
Other s.31(2) offences — summary
- Imprisonment
- 0–6 months
- Fine
- Fine up to the statutory maximum or both
Includes s.5 duty of care, s.6, s.7, s.8(3), s.33(9), s.40(7).
Other s.31(2) offences — on indictment
- Imprisonment
- 0–5 years
- Fine
- Fine (unlimited) or both
s.31 verified as amended by the Justice Act (NI) 2016: s.4 / s.8(1)–(2) summary 12 months and/or £20,000; indictment 5 years. Other s.31(2) offences: summary 6 months / statutory maximum; indictment 5 years.
Environmental pollution Verification pending
No reliable figure exists yet for this entry. No figure is shown.
No penalty range is stated here because no official text was read in this pass.
Wildlife offences Verification pending
No reliable figure exists yet for this entry. No figure is shown.
No penalty range is stated here because no official text was read in this pass.
Immigration & borders
Immigration offences Possibly — unconfirmed
Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.
Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed
s.25 — assisting unlawful immigration, on indictment Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–14 years
- Fine
- Fine (unlimited) or both
s.25 — assisting unlawful immigration, summary Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- 0–6 months
- Fine
- Fine up to the statutory maximum or both
s.24 — illegal entry / breach of conditions / deception Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- No range stated — direct read required
- Fine
- No range stated — direct read required
Amended by the Nationality and Borders Act 2022; re-check current text.
ss.25A–25B — helping asylum-seekers / assisting entry in breach of order Possibly — unconfirmed
- Imprisonment
- No range stated — direct read required
- Fine
- No range stated — direct read required
Only s.25 was read directly (14 years). s.24 / s.25A / s.25B ranges were NOT read in this pass (note: s.24 was amended by the Nationality and Borders Act 2022) and no figures are stated for them.
Corruption & justice
Bribery Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
Individual, ss.1, 2, 6 — summary (NI)
- Imprisonment
- 0–6 months
- Fine
- Fine up to the statutory maximum (£5,000 in NI) or both
NI summary maximum is 6 months per s.11(4)(b).
Individual, ss.1, 2, 6 — on indictment
- Imprisonment
- 0–10 years
- Fine
- Fine (unlimited) or both
Other persons, ss.1, 2, 6 — summary
- Imprisonment
- No imprisonment (fine only)
- Fine
- Fine up to the statutory maximum
Other persons, ss.1, 2, 6 — on indictment
- Imprisonment
- No imprisonment (fine only)
- Fine
- Fine (unlimited)
s.7 — failure to prevent bribery, on indictment
- Imprisonment
- No imprisonment (fine only)
- Fine
- Fine (unlimited)
Indictment only.
Penalties in s.11. NI divergence: summary imprisonment for an individual under ss.1, 2, 6 is 6 months in NI (12 months in E&W/Scotland). s.7 is fine-only on indictment.
Contempt of court Verification pending
No reliable figure exists yet for this entry. No figure is shown.
Largely common law in NI with statutory overlays. No penalty range is stated here because no official text was read in this pass.
Escaping lawful custody Verification pending
No reliable figure exists yet for this entry. No figure is shown.
No penalty range is stated here because no official text was read in this pass. Citation needs confirmation (Prison Act (NI) 1953 and common law).
Misconduct in public office Verification pending
No reliable figure exists yet for this entry. No figure is shown.
Common-law offence in NI. No statutory maximum; punishment is at large. No range is stated here because no official text was read in this pass.
Obstructing or resisting police Verification pending
No reliable figure exists yet for this entry. No figure is shown.
No penalty range is stated here because no official text was read in this pass. The Justice Act (NI) 2011 Sch 4 penalty-offence table lists a £80 fixed penalty for s.66 resist/obstruct/impede conduct, but the court penalty was not read.
Perjury Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
On indictment
- Imprisonment
- 0–7 years
- Fine
- Fine (unlimited) or both
Art 5 (false written statements in courts-martial): 0–2 years and/or fine.
Perjury (NI) Order 1979 Art 3: wilfully making a material statement known false / not believed true, as witness or interpreter in a judicial proceeding. 7 years and/or fine on indictment — same maximum as the Perjury Act 1911 in E&W, but under the separate NI Order.
Perverting the course of justice Verification pending
No reliable figure exists yet for this entry. No figure is shown.
Common-law offence in NI. No statutory maximum exists; the maximum is at large at common law. No penalty range is stated here because no official text was read in this pass.
Witness intimidation Verification pending
No reliable figure exists yet for this entry. No figure is shown.
No penalty range is stated here because no official text was read in this pass. The NI statutory basis needs confirmation.
Children & vulnerable people
Abandoning or exposing a child Verification pending
No reliable figure exists yet for this entry. No figure is shown.
No penalty range is stated here because no official text was read in this pass.
Causing or allowing death or serious harm of a child or vulnerable adult Verification pending
No reliable figure exists yet for this entry. No figure is shown.
No penalty range is stated here because no official text was read in this pass.
Child abduction Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
Summary
- Imprisonment
- 0–6 months
- Fine
- Fine up to the statutory maximum (£5,000 in NI) or both
On indictment
- Imprisonment
- 0–7 years
- Fine
- No fine stated in Art 5(1)(b)
Art 5 verified: summary 6 months and/or fine up to the statutory maximum; indictment 7 years. Prosecution for Art 3 requires DPP consent.
Child cruelty and neglect Verification pending
No reliable figure exists yet for this entry. No figure is shown.
No penalty range is stated here because no official text was read in this pass.
Female genital mutilation Verification pending
No reliable figure exists yet for this entry. No figure is shown.
No penalty range is stated here because no official text was read in this pass.
Family & marriage
Bigamy Verification pending
No reliable figure exists yet for this entry. No figure is shown.
OAPA 1861 s.57: marrying another while already married. No penalty range is stated here because no official text was read in this pass.
Forced marriage Verified against official source
This range was checked against the official legal text.
Statutory range
Summary
- Imprisonment
- 0–6 months
- Fine
- Fine up to the statutory maximum (£5,000 in NI) or both
On indictment
- Imprisonment
- 0–7 years
- Fine
- No fine stated in s.16(7)(b)
s.16(7) verified: summary 6 months and/or fine up to the statutory maximum; indictment 7 years. Includes deception to take a person out of the UK for forced marriage (s.16(5)).