OpenLegislation

Section 20 Offences committed outside the United KingdomI1I2I3

United Kingdom

(1)

Section 13(1) or (2), 14(1) or (3), 16(1) or 17(1) or (2) applies to things done inside or outside the United Kingdom, regardless of—

(a)

the nationality of the person by whom they are done, or

(b)

whether they are done by a body formed under the law of any part of the United Kingdom or the law of any other country or territory.

(2)

Where an offence under section 13, 14, 16 or 17 is committed outside the United Kingdom—

(a)

proceedings for the offence may be taken at any place in the United Kingdom, and

(b)

the offence may for all incidental purposes be treated as having been committed at any such place.

(3)

In the application of subsection (2) to Scotland, any such proceedings against a person may be taken—

(a)

in any sheriff court district in which the person is apprehended or is in custody, or

(b)

in such sheriff court district as the Lord Advocate may determine.

(4)

For the purposes of subsection (3), “sheriff court district” is to be read in accordance with the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 (see section 307(1) of that Act).

(5)

Section 3 of the Territorial Waters Jurisdiction Act 1878 (consent of Secretary of State for certain prosecutions) does not apply to proceedings for an offence under section 13, 14, 16 or 17.

Annotations

Commencement

I1

S. 20 not in force at Royal Assent, see s. 65(1)

I2

S. 20 in force at 5.1.2026 for specified purposes by S.I. 2025/1318, reg. 2(c)

I3

S. 20 in force at 2.2.2026 in so far as not already in force by S.I. 2026/59, reg. 2(b)