HC Deb 24 June 2003 vol 407 c983

'After section 62A of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 (c. 33) (inserted by section (Power to remove trespassers: alternative site available)) insert—

"62B Failure to comply with direction under section 62A: offences

(1) A person commits an offence if he knows that a direction under section 62A(1) has been given which applies to him and—

  1. (a) he fails to leave the relevant land as soon as reasonably practicable, or
  2. (b) he enters any land in the area of the relevant local authority as a trespasser before the end of the relevant period with the intention of residing there.

(2) The relevant period is the period or 3 months starting with the day on which the direction is given.

(3) A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 months or a fine not exceeding level 4 on the standard scale or both.

(4) A constable in uniform who reasonably suspects that a person is committing an offence under this section may arrest him without a warrant.

(5) In proceedings for an offence under this section it is a defence for the accused to show—

  1. (a) that he was not trespassing on the land in respect of which he is alleged to have committed the offence, or
  2. (b) that he had a reasonable excuse—
    1. (i) for failing to leave the relevant land as soon as reasonably practicable, or
    2. (ii) for entering land in the area of the relevant local authority as a trespasser with the intention of residing there, or
  3. (c) that, at the time the direction was given, he was under the age of 18 years and was residing with his parent or guardian.".'.

—[Mr. Heppell.]

Brought up, read the First and Second time, and added to the Bill.

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