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Section 3 Obstructing operationsI1I2

(1)

A person subject to service law commits an offence if—

(a)

he does an act that is likely to put at risk the success of an action or operation of any of Her Majesty's forces; and

(b)

he intends to prevent, or is reckless as to whether he prevents, the success of the action or operation.

(2)

A person subject to service law commits an offence if—

(a)

without lawful excuse, he does an act that delays or discourages an action or operation of any of Her Majesty's forces; and

(b)

he intends to delay or discourage the action or operation.

(3)

In this section “act” includes an omission and references to the doing of an act are to be read accordingly.

(4)

A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable to any punishment mentioned in the Table in section 164, and any sentence of imprisonment imposed in respect of the offence—

(a)

if the offence relates to an action or operation against an enemy, may be for life;

(b)

otherwise, must not exceed ten years.

Annotations

Commencement

I1

S. 3 in force at 28.3.2009 for specified purposes by S.I. 2009/812, art. 3(a)(b) (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059)

I2

S. 3 in force at 31.10.2009 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

Notes on the whole Act

Textual amendments

F1

Act expires on 15.12.2022 by virtue of s. 382 (as substituted (15.12.2021) by Armed Forces Act 2021 (c. 35), ss. 1(1), 24(2)(a)) (subject to power to continue in s. 382(2)(3) as so substituted)