# Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001, Section 49: Defences


(1) In proceedings for an offence under section 47(1)(c) or (d) relating to an object it is a defence for the accused to show that he did not know and had no reason to believe that the object was a nuclear weapon.
(2) But he shall be taken to have shown that fact if—
(a) sufficient evidence is adduced to raise an issue with respect to it; and
(b) the contrary is not proved by the prosecution beyond reasonable doubt.
(3) In proceedings for such an offence it is also a defence for the accused to show that he knew or believed that the object was a nuclear weapon but, as soon as reasonably practicable after he first knew or believed that fact, he took all reasonable steps to inform the Secretary of State or a constable of his knowledge or belief.

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Source: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2001/24/section/49 (the official version)
Page: https://openlegislation.uk/anti-terrorism-crime-and-security-act-2001/section-49
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Source: legislation.gov.uk, The National Archives.