Armed Forces Act 2006
A person subject to service law commits an offence if, without lawful excuse, he intentionally—
communicates with an enemy;
gives an enemy information that would or might be useful to the enemy;
fails to make known to the proper authorities any information received by him from an enemy;
provides an enemy with any supplies; or
harbours or protects an enemy other than a prisoner of war.
A person subject to service law who has been captured by an enemy commits an offence if, without lawful excuse, he intentionally serves with or assists the enemy—
in the prosecution of hostilities or of measures likely to influence morale; or
in any other manner not authorised by international law.
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 may be for life.
A person subject to service law commits an offence if, without reasonable excuse, he—
surrenders any place or thing to an enemy; or
abandons any place or thing which it is his duty to defend against an enemy or to prevent from falling into the hands of an enemy.
Subsections (3) to (5) apply to a person subject to service law who is—
in the presence or vicinity of an enemy;
engaged in an action or operation against an enemy; or
under orders to be prepared for any action or operation by or against an enemy.
A person to whom this subsection applies commits an offence if he fails to use his utmost exertions to carry out the lawful commands of his superior officers.
A person to whom this subsection applies commits an offence if he is on guard duty and posted or ordered to patrol, or is on watch, and—
without reasonable excuse, he sleeps; or
(without having been regularly relieved) he leaves any place where it is his duty to be.
A person to whom this subsection applies commits an offence if, without reasonable excuse, he intentionally communicates with a person who is— and the communication is likely to cause that person to become despondent or alarmed.
a member of any of Her Majesty’s forces or of any force co-operating with them, or
a relevant civilian,
In subsection (5) “relevant civilian” means a person who—
is a civilian subject to service discipline; and
is accompanying a person subject to service law who is—
in the presence or vicinity of an enemy; or
engaged in an action or operation against an enemy.
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 may be for life.
A person subject to service law commits an offence if—
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
he intends to prevent, or is reckless as to whether he prevents, the success of the action or operation.
A person subject to service law commits an offence if—
without lawful excuse, he does an act that delays or discourages an action or operation of any of Her Majesty’s forces; and
he intends to delay or discourage the action or operation.
In this section “act” includes an omission and references to the doing of an act are to be read accordingly.
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—
if the offence relates to an action or operation against an enemy, may be for life;
otherwise, must not exceed ten years.
A person within subsection (4) commits an offence if, without lawful excuse—
he takes any property from a person who has been killed, injured, captured or detained in the course of an action or operation of any of Her Majesty’s forces or of any force co-operating with them; or
he searches such a person with the intention of taking property from him.
A person within subsection (4) commits an offence if, without lawful excuse—
he takes any property which has been left exposed or unprotected in consequence of—
an action or operation of any of Her Majesty’s forces or of any force co-operating with them; or
an event, or state of affairs, in relation to which such an action or operation is undertaken; or
he searches any place or thing with the intention of taking property of a description mentioned in paragraph (a).
A person within subsection (4) commits an offence if he takes otherwise than for the public service any vehicle, equipment or stores abandoned by an enemy.
A person is within this subsection if he is—
a person subject to service law; or
a civilian subject to service discipline.
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—
in the case of an offence under subsection (1) or (2), may be for life;
in the case of an offence under subsection (3), must not exceed seven years.
Subsections (2) and (3) apply to a person subject to service law who has been captured by an enemy.
A person to whom this subsection applies commits an offence if—
he is aware of steps that he could take to rejoin Her Majesty’s forces;
he could reasonably be expected to take those steps; and
without lawful excuse, he fails to take them.
A person to whom this subsection applies commits an offence if, without lawful excuse, he intentionally prevents or discourages another person subject to service law who has been captured by an enemy from taking any reasonable steps to rejoin Her Majesty’s forces.
A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable to any punishment mentioned in the Table in section 164, but any sentence of imprisonment imposed in respect of the offence must not exceed ten years.
A person subject to service law commits an offence if he takes part in a mutiny.
For the purposes of this section a person subject to service law takes part in a mutiny if—
in concert with at least one other person subject to service law, he—
acts with the intention of overthrowing or resisting authority; or
disobeys authority in such circumstances as to subvert discipline;
he agrees with at least one other person subject to service law to overthrow or resist authority; or
he agrees with at least one other person subject to service law to disobey authority, and the agreed disobedience would be such as to subvert discipline.
For the purposes of subsection (2)—
“authority” means lawful authority in any part of Her Majesty’s forces or of any force co-operating with them;
the reference to acting includes omitting to act.
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 may be for life.
A person subject to service law commits an offence if—
he knows that a mutiny is occurring or is intended; and
he fails to take such steps as he could reasonably be expected to take to prevent or suppress it.
For the purposes of this section a mutiny occurs when a person subject to service law, in concert with at least one other person subject to service law—
acts with the intention of overthrowing or resisting authority; or
disobeys authority in such circumstances as to subvert discipline.
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 may be for life.
A person subject to service law commits an offence if he deserts.
For the purposes of this Act a person deserts if he is absent without leave and—
he intends to remain permanently absent without leave; or
he intends to avoid a period of active service.
In this section “active service” means service in—
an action or operation against an enemy;
an operation outside the British Islands for the protection of life or property; or
the military occupation of a foreign country or territory.
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—
if the offender intended to avoid a period of active service, may be for life;
otherwise, must not exceed two years.
A person subject to service law commits an offence if subsection (2) or (3) applies to him.
This subsection applies to a person if he is intentionally or negligently absent without leave.
This subsection applies to a person if—
he does an act, being reckless as to whether it will cause him to be absent without leave; and
it causes him to be absent without leave.
In subsection (3) “act” includes an omission and the reference to the doing of an act is to be read accordingly.
A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable to any punishment mentioned in the Table in section 164, but any sentence of imprisonment imposed in respect of the offence must not exceed two years.
A person subject to service law commits an offence if—
he knows that another person—
has committed, is committing or is attempting to commit an offence under section 8 (desertion); or
is committing or attempting to commit an offence under section 9 (absence without leave); and
he fails to take such steps as he could reasonably be expected to take to cause that person to be apprehended.
A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable to any punishment mentioned in the Table in section 164, but any sentence of imprisonment imposed in respect of the offence must not exceed two years.
A person subject to service law commits an offence if—
he uses violence against a superior officer (“B”); and
he knows or has reasonable cause to believe that B is a superior officer.
A person subject to service law commits an offence if—
his behaviour towards a superior officer (“B”) is threatening or disrespectful; and
he knows or has reasonable cause to believe that B is a superior officer.
For the purposes of this section—
the behaviour of a person (“A”) towards another person (“B”) includes any communication made by A to B (whether or not in B’s presence);
“threatening” behaviour is not limited to behaviour that threatens violence.
A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable to any punishment mentioned in the Table in section 164, but any sentence of imprisonment imposed in respect of the offence must not exceed—
in the case of an offence under subsection (1), or an offence under subsection (2) of behaviour that is threatening, ten years;
in any other case, two years.
A person subject to service law commits an offence if—
he disobeys a lawful command; and
he intends to disobey, or is reckless as to whether he disobeys, the command.
A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable to any punishment mentioned in the Table in section 164, but any sentence of imprisonment imposed in respect of the offence must not exceed ten years.
A person subject to service law, or a civilian subject to service discipline, commits an offence if—
he contravenes a lawful order to which this section applies; and
he knows or could reasonably be expected to know of the order.
This section applies to standing orders, and other routine orders of a continuing nature, of any of Her Majesty’s forces, made for any— but paragraph (a) of this subsection does not apply in relation to a civilian subject to service discipline.
part of Her Majesty’s forces;
area or place; or
ship, train or aircraft;
A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable to any punishment mentioned in the Table in section 164, but any sentence of imprisonment imposed in respect of the offence must not exceed two years.
A person subject to service law commits an offence if—
he uses force against a member of any of Her Majesty’s forces, or of any force co-operating with them, who is—
on guard duty and posted or ordered to patrol;
on watch; or
under orders to regulate traffic by land, water or air; or
by the threat of force he compels such a person to let him or any other person pass.
A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable to any punishment mentioned in the Table in section 164, but any sentence of imprisonment imposed in respect of the offence must not exceed two years.
A person subject to service law commits an offence if, without reasonable excuse, he—
fails to attend for any duty;
leaves any duty before he is permitted to do so; or
fails to perform any duty.
A person subject to service law commits an offence if he performs any duty negligently.
A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable to any punishment mentioned in the Table in section 164, but any sentence of imprisonment imposed in respect of the offence must not exceed two years.
A person subject to service law commits an offence if, to avoid service—
he pretends to have an injury;
by any act he causes himself an injury;
by any act or omission he aggravates or prolongs any injury of his; or
he causes another person to injure him.
A person subject to service law commits an offence if, at the request of another person subject to service law (“B”) and with the intention of enabling B to avoid service—
by any act he causes B an injury; or
by any act or omission he aggravates or prolongs any injury of B.
In this section—
“injury” includes any disease and any impairment of a person’s physical or mental condition, and the reference to injuring is to be read accordingly;
“service” includes any particular duty or kind of duty.
A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable to any punishment mentioned in the Table in section 164, but any sentence of imprisonment imposed in respect of the offence must not exceed two years.
A person subject to service law commits an offence if—
without lawful authority, he discloses information that would or might be useful to an enemy; and
he knows or has reasonable cause to believe that the information would or might be useful to an enemy.
A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable to any punishment mentioned in the Table in section 164, but any sentence of imprisonment imposed in respect of the offence must not exceed two years.
A person subject to service law commits an offence if—
he makes an official record, knowing that it is false in a material respect; and
he knows or has reasonable cause to believe that the record is official.
A person who adopts as his own a record made by another person is for the purposes of subsection (1) to be treated, as well as that other person, as making the record.
A person subject to service law commits an offence if—
with intent to deceive, he tampers with or suppresses an official document; and
he knows or has reasonable cause to believe that the document is official.
A person subject to service law commits an offence if—
with intent to deceive, he fails to make a record which he is under a duty to make; and
he knows or has reasonable cause to believe that the record would, if made, be official.
For the purposes of this section—
“record” means a document or an entry in a document;
“document” means anything in which information is recorded;
a record or document is official if it is or is likely to be made use of, in connection with the performance of his functions as such, by a person who holds office under the Crown or is in the service of the Crown.
A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable to any punishment mentioned in the Table in section 164, but any sentence of imprisonment imposed in respect of the offence must not exceed two years.
A person subject to service law commits an offence if he does an act that is prejudicial to good order and service discipline.
In this section “act” includes an omission and the reference to the doing of an act is to be read accordingly.
A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable to any punishment mentioned in the Table in section 164, but any sentence of imprisonment imposed in respect of the offence must not exceed two years.
A person subject to service law commits an offence if, due to the influence of alcohol or any drug—
he is unfit to be entrusted with his duty or any duty which he might reasonably expect to be called upon to perform; or
his behaviour is disorderly or likely to bring discredit to Her Majesty’s forces.
Subsection (1) does not apply to the influence of a drug on a person (“A”) if—
the drug was taken or administered on medical advice and A complied with any directions given as part of that advice;
the drug was taken or administered for a medicinal purpose, and A had no reason to believe that the drug might impair his ability to carry out the duties mentioned in subsection (1)(a) or (as the case may be) result in his behaving in a way mentioned in subsection (1)(b);
the drug was taken on the orders of a superior officer of A; or
the drug was administered to A on the orders of a superior officer of the person administering it.
In this section—
“drug” includes any intoxicant other than alcohol;
a person’s “behaviour” includes anything said by him.
In proceedings for an offence under this section, any paragraph of subsection (2) is to be treated as not having applied in relation to the defendant unless sufficient evidence is adduced to raise an issue as to whether it did.
A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable to any punishment mentioned in the Table in section 164, but any sentence of imprisonment imposed in respect of the offence must not exceed two years.
A person subject to service law commits an offence if, without reasonable excuse, he fights another person.
A person subject to service law commits an offence if—
without reasonable excuse, his behaviour is—
threatening, abusive, insulting or provocative; and
likely to cause a disturbance; and
he intends to be, or is aware that his behaviour may be, threatening, abusive, insulting or provocative.
For the purposes of this section a person’s “behaviour” includes anything said by him.
A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable to any punishment mentioned in the Table in section 164, but any sentence of imprisonment imposed in respect of the offence must not exceed two years.
A person subject to service law who is an officer, warrant officer or non-commissioned officer commits an offence if—
he ill-treats a subordinate (“B”);
he intends to ill-treat B or is reckless as to whether he is ill-treating B; and
he knows or has reasonable cause to believe that B is a subordinate.
For the purposes of this section a person (“B”) is a subordinate of another person (“A”) if—
B is subject to service law; and
A is a superior officer of B.
A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable to any punishment mentioned in the Table in section 164, but any sentence of imprisonment imposed in respect of the offence must not exceed two years.
A person subject to service law commits an offence if—
he does an act which is cruel or indecent; and
his doing so is disgraceful.
In this section “act” includes an omission and the reference to the doing of an act is to be read accordingly.
A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable to any punishment mentioned in the Table in section 164, but any sentence of imprisonment imposed in respect of the offence must not exceed two years.
A person subject to service law commits an offence if—
he does an act that causes damage to or the loss of any public or service property or any property belonging to another person subject to service law; and
either—
he intends to cause damage to or the loss of the property, and there is no lawful excuse for his act; or
he is reckless as to whether he causes damage to or the loss of the property.
A person subject to service law commits an offence if—
negligently, he does an act that causes damage to or the loss of any public or service property; or
he does an act that is likely to cause damage to or the loss of any public or service property and—
he is reckless as to whether he causes damage to or the loss of the property; or
he is negligent.
For the purposes of this section—
“act” includes an omission and references to the doing of an act are to be read accordingly;
references to causing include allowing;
“loss” includes temporary loss;
“property” means property of a tangible nature, and references to public or service property are to be read accordingly.
A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable to any punishment mentioned in the Table in section 164, but any sentence of imprisonment imposed in respect of the offence must not exceed—
in the case of an offence under subsection (1), ten years;
in the case of an offence under subsection (2), two years.
A person subject to service law commits an offence if he misapplies or wastes any public or service property.
A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable to any punishment mentioned in rows 2 to 12 of the Table in section 164.
This section applies for the purposes of sections 24 and 25.
“Public property” means property belonging to or held for the purposes of—
a department of the Government of the United Kingdom;
any part of the Scottish Administration;
a Northern Ireland department; or
the National Assembly for Wales.
“Service property” means property—
belonging to or used for the purposes of any of Her Majesty’s forces;
belonging to a Navy, Army and Air Force Institute; or
belonging to an association established, or having effect as if established, under section 110 of the Reserve Forces Act 1996 (c. 14) (reserve associations).
A person within subsection (2) commits an offence if—
he intentionally obstructs, or intentionally fails to assist when called upon to do so, a person who is—
a service policeman acting in the course of his duty; or
a person subject to service law lawfully exercising authority on behalf of a provost officer; and
he knows or has reasonable cause to believe that that person is a service policeman or a person exercising authority on behalf of a provost officer.
A person is within this subsection if he is—
a person subject to service law; or
a civilian subject to service discipline.
A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable to any punishment mentioned in the Table in section 164, but any sentence of imprisonment imposed in respect of the offence must not exceed two years.
A person subject to service law (“A”) commits an offence if another person (“B”), in the exercise of a power conferred by or under this Act, orders A into arrest and—
A disobeys the order;
A uses violence against B; or
A’s behaviour towards B is threatening.
A person subject to service law, or a civilian subject to service discipline, commits an offence if—
he uses violence against a person who has a duty to apprehend him, or his behaviour towards such a person is threatening; and
he knows or has reasonable cause to believe that the person has a duty to apprehend him.
For the purposes of this section—
a person’s “behaviour” includes anything said by him;
“threatening” behaviour is not limited to behaviour that threatens violence;
a “duty” to apprehend a person means such a duty arising under service law.
A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable to any punishment mentioned in the Table in section 164, but any sentence of imprisonment imposed in respect of the offence must not exceed two years.
A person subject to service law, or a civilian subject to service discipline, commits an offence if he escapes from lawful custody.
A person subject to service law, or a civilian subject to service discipline, commits an offence if—
he uses violence against a person in whose lawful custody he is, or his behaviour towards such a person is threatening; and
he knows or has reasonable cause to believe that the custody is lawful.
For the purposes of this section—
references to custody are to service custody;
a person’s behaviour includes anything said by him;
“threatening” behaviour is not limited to behaviour that threatens violence.
A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable to any punishment mentioned in the Table in section 164, but any sentence of imprisonment imposed in respect of the offence must not exceed two years.
A person subject to service law commits an offence if—
he knows that a person is committed to his charge, or that it is his duty to guard a person;
he does an act that results in that person’s escape; and
he intends to allow, or is reckless as to whether the act will allow, that person to escape, or he is negligent.
A person subject to service law commits an offence if—
he knows that a person is committed to his charge;
he releases that person without authority to do so; and
he knows or has reasonable cause to believe that he has no such authority.
In this section “act” includes an omission and the reference to the doing of an act is to be construed accordingly.
A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable to any punishment mentioned in the Table in section 164, but any sentence of imprisonment imposed in respect of the offence must not exceed—
in the case of an offence under subsection (1) where the offender intended to allow the person to escape, or an offence under subsection (2) where the offender knew he had no authority to release the person, ten years;
in any other case, two years.
A person subject to service law commits an offence if he does an act that causes the hazarding of any of Her Majesty’s ships and—
he intends to cause damage to or the stranding or loss of the ship, and there is no lawful excuse for his act; or
he is reckless as to whether he causes damage to or the stranding or loss of the ship.
A person subject to service law commits an offence if, negligently, he does an act that causes the hazarding of any of Her Majesty’s ships.
For the purposes of this section—
“act” includes an omission and references to the doing of an act are to be read accordingly;
references to causing include allowing;
“Her Majesty’s ships” means all ships belonging to or used for the purposes of any of Her Majesty’s forces.
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—
in the case of an offence under subsection (1), may be for life;
in the case of an offence under subsection (2), must not exceed two years.
A person subject to service law commits an offence if, without lawful excuse, he intentionally—
gives a false air signal; or
alters or interferes with an air signal or any equipment for giving an air signal.
In this section “air signal” means a message, signal or indication given (by any means) for the guidance of aircraft or a particular aircraft.
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 may be for life.
A person subject to service law commits an offence if—
he does an act— that causes or is likely to cause loss of life or injury to any person; and
when flying or using an aircraft, or
in relation to an aircraft or aircraft material,
either—
he intends to cause loss of life or injury to any person, and there is no lawful excuse for his act; or
he is reckless as to whether he causes loss of life or injury to any person.
A person subject to service law commits an offence if, negligently, he does an act— that causes or is likely to cause loss of life or injury to any person.
when flying or using an aircraft, or
in relation to an aircraft or aircraft material,
In this section—
“act” includes an omission and the reference to the doing of an act is to be read accordingly;
“aircraft material” includes—
parts of and accessories for aircraft (whether or not for the time being in aircraft);
armaments in or for use in aircraft;
any other equipment or instrument in or for use in aircraft;
any equipment for use in connection with the taking-off or landing of aircraft or for detecting the movement of aircraft;
any fuel for the propulsion of aircraft; and
any lubricant for aircraft or for anything within any of paragraphs (a) to (d).
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—
in the case of an offence under subsection (1), may be for life;
in the case of an offence under subsection (2), must not exceed two years.
A person subject to service law commits an offence if—
he flies an aircraft at a height less than the minimum height, other than—
when taking off or landing; or
in any other circumstances prescribed by regulations made by the Defence Council; and
he intends to fly, or is reckless as to whether he flies, the aircraft at a height less than the minimum height, or he is negligent.
If a person flies an aircraft in contravention of subsection (1) on the orders of another person who is in command of the aircraft, that other person is for the purposes of this section to be treated as flying the aircraft.
In this section “minimum height” means the height prescribed by regulations made by the Defence Council.
A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable to any punishment mentioned in the Table in section 164, but any sentence of imprisonment imposed in respect of the offence must not exceed two years.
A person subject to service law commits an offence if—
he flies an aircraft so as to annoy or be likely to annoy any person;
he can reasonably avoid flying the aircraft as mentioned in paragraph (a); and
he intends to fly, or is reckless as to whether he flies, the aircraft so as to annoy any person, or he is negligent.
If a person flies an aircraft in contravention of subsection (1) on the orders of another person who is in command of the aircraft, that other person is for the purposes of this section to be treated as flying the aircraft.
A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable to any punishment mentioned in rows 3 to 12 of the Table in section 164.
A person subject to service law commits an offence if he makes or signs a relevant certificate without having ensured its accuracy.
In this section “relevant certificate” means a certificate (including an electronic certificate) relating to—
any matter affecting the seagoing or fighting efficiency of any of Her Majesty’s ships;
any of Her Majesty’s aircraft;
any aircraft material; or
any equipment of a description prescribed by regulations made by the Defence Council.
In subsection (2)—
“Her Majesty’s ships” has the meaning given by section 31;
“Her Majesty’s aircraft” means all aircraft belonging to or used for the purposes of any of Her Majesty’s forces;
“aircraft material” has the meaning given by section 33.
A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable to any punishment mentioned in the Table in section 164, but any sentence of imprisonment imposed in respect of the offence must not exceed two years.
A person subject to service law who, while in command of any of Her Majesty’s ships or aircraft, takes any ship or aircraft as prize commits an offence if he unlawfully fails to ensure that all the ship papers or aircraft papers found on board are sent to a prize court of competent jurisdiction.
A person subject to service law who, while in command of any of Her Majesty’s ships or aircraft, takes any ship, aircraft or goods as prize commits an offence if he unlawfully fails to ensure that—
the ship is brought to a convenient port for adjudication;
the aircraft is brought to a convenient airfield for adjudication; or
the goods are brought to a convenient port or airfield for adjudication.
In this section—
“Her Majesty’s ships” and “Her Majesty’s aircraft” have the meanings given (respectively) by sections 31 and 36;
A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable to any punishment mentioned in the Table in section 164, but any sentence of imprisonment imposed in respect of the offence must not exceed two years.
A person subject to service law commits an offence if—
he ill-treats a person who is on board a ship or aircraft when it is taken as prize; or
he unlawfully takes anything in the possession of such a person.
A person subject to service law commits an offence if he unloads, unpacks or otherwise interferes with any goods that are on board a ship or aircraft which has been taken as prize, unless—
the goods have been adjudged by a prize court (within the meaning of the Naval Prize Act 1864 (c. 25)) to be lawful prize; or
the goods are removed for safe keeping or for necessary use by any of Her Majesty’s forces or any force co-operating with them.
A person subject to service law commits an offence if, without lawful excuse, he unloads, unpacks or otherwise interferes with any goods that are on board a ship or aircraft that has been detained in exercise of a belligerent right or under an enactment.
A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable to any punishment mentioned in the Table in section 164, but any sentence of imprisonment imposed in respect of the offence must not exceed two years.
A person subject to service law commits an offence if he attempts to commit an offence to which this subsection applies.
Subsection (1) applies to any service offence except—
an offence committed by virtue of section 41 (aiding and abetting);
an offence under this section or section 42.
A civilian subject to service discipline commits an offence if he attempts to commit an offence to which this subsection applies.
Subsection (3) applies to—
an offence under section 4, 13, 27, 28(2), 29, 107 or 306 of this Act or under section 18 or 20 of the Armed Forces Act 1991 (c. 62); and
an offence under section 40 of inciting another person to commit an offence mentioned in paragraph (a).
For the purposes of this section a person attempts to commit an offence if, with intent to commit the offence, he does an act which is more than merely preparatory to the commission of the offence.
For those purposes, a person may attempt to commit an offence even though the facts are such that the commission of the offence is impossible.
Where— then for the purposes of this section he shall be regarded as having had an intent to commit that offence.
apart from this subsection a person’s intention would not be regarded as having amounted to an intent to commit an offence, but
if the facts of the case had been as he believed them to be his intention would be so regarded,
Where in proceedings for an offence under this section there is evidence sufficient in law to support a finding that the defendant did an act falling within subsection (5), the question whether his act fell within that subsection is a question of fact.
A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable to the same punishment as he would be liable to if guilty of the offence attempted.
A person subject to service law commits an offence if he incites another person to commit an offence to which this subsection applies.
Subsection (1) applies to any service offence except an offence under section 42.
A civilian subject to service discipline commits an offence if he incites another person to commit an offence mentioned in section 39(4).
A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable to the same punishment as he would be liable to if guilty of the offence incited.
Where a person subject to service law aids, abets, counsels or procures the commission by another person of an offence to which this subsection applies, he commits that offence.
Subsection (1) applies to any service offence except an offence under section 42.
A person who by virtue of subsection (1) commits an offence is liable to be charged, tried (including dealt with at a summary hearing) and punished as a principal offender.
Where a civilian subject to service discipline aids, abets, counsels or procures the commission by another person of an offence mentioned in section 39(4), he commits that offence and is liable to be charged, tried and punished as a principal offender.
A person subject to service law, or a civilian subject to service discipline, commits an offence under this section if he does any act that—
is punishable by the law of England and Wales; or
if done in England or Wales, would be so punishable.
A person may be charged with an offence under this section even if he could on the same facts be charged with a different service offence.
A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable to—
if the corresponding offence under the law of England and Wales is under that law an offence punishable with imprisonment, any punishment mentioned in the Table in section 164;
otherwise, any punishment mentioned in rows 5 to 12 of that Table.
Any sentence of imprisonment or fine imposed in respect of an offence under this section must not exceed—
if the corresponding offence under the law of England and Wales is a summary offence, the maximum term of imprisonment or fine that could be imposed by a magistrates' court on summary conviction;
if that corresponding offence is an indictable offence, the maximum sentence of imprisonment or fine that could be imposed by the Crown Court on conviction on indictment.
In subsection (4) “a summary offence” and “an indictable offence” mean, respectively, a summary offence under the law of England and Wales and an indictable offence under that law.
In this section and sections 45 to 49 “act” includes an omission and references to the doing of an act are to be read accordingly.
In subsections (1) and (8) and sections 45 to 49 “punishable” means punishable with a criminal penalty.
In this Act “the corresponding offence under the law of England and Wales”, in relation to an offence under this section, means—
the act constituting the offence under this section; or
if that act is not punishable by the law of England and Wales, the equivalent act done in England or Wales.
Subsection (2) applies for the purpose of determining whether an attempt is an offence under section 42.
For that purpose section 1(4) of the Criminal Attempts Act 1981 (c. 47) (offences that it is an offence to attempt) has effect as if for the words from “offence which” to “other than” there were substituted “offence under section 42 of the Armed Forces Act 2006 consisting of an act punishable by the law of England and Wales as an indictable offence or an act that, if done in England or Wales, would be so punishable by that law; but “indictable offence” here does not include”.
Section 42(6) applies for the purposes of section 1(4) of the Criminal Attempts Act 1981 as modified by this section.
Where, in proceedings for a section 42 offence of attempt, there is evidence sufficient in law to support a finding that the defendant did an act falling within subsection (1) of section 1 of the Criminal Attempts Act 1981, the question whether his act fell within that subsection is a question of fact.
In this section “a section 42 offence of attempt” means an offence under section 42 consisting of an act that is, or that would be if done in England or Wales, an offence under section 1(1) of the Criminal Attempts Act 1981 (c. 47).
References in subsections (1) and (2) to section 1(1) of the Criminal Attempts Act 1981 are to that provision as it has effect by virtue of section 43 above.
For the purpose of determining whether an agreement that a course of conduct be pursued is an offence under section 42—
sections 1(1) and 2 of the Criminal Law Act 1977 (c. 45) (conspiracy) have effect as if any reference to an offence included a reference to an act that, if done in England or Wales, would be punishable by the law of England and Wales; and
section 1(2) of that Act has effect as if it read—
Section 42(6) applies for the purposes of section 1(2) of the Criminal Law Act 1977 as substituted by this section.
Subsection (2) applies if a person subject to service law, or a civilian subject to service discipline, incites another person to do any act that if done in England or Wales would be punishable by the law of England and Wales.
Regardless of where the inciter intended the act to be done, the incitement shall be treated for the purposes of section 42(1) as an act that is punishable by the law of England and Wales.
Subsection (2) applies if—
any person (“A”) does an act that is punishable by the law of England and Wales or would be so punishable if done in England or Wales; and
a person subject to service law, or a civilian subject to service discipline, aids, abets, counsels or procures A’s doing of that act.
Regardless of where the act aided, abetted, counselled or procured was done, the aiding, abetting, counselling or procuring shall be treated for the purposes of section 42(1) as an act that is punishable by the law of England and Wales.
For the purpose of determining whether an attempt is an act that falls within subsection (1)(a) above, section 1(4) of the Criminal Attempts Act 1981 (c. 47) has effect with the modification made by section 43.
This section applies where—
an attempt, agreement or incitement, or a person’s aiding, abetting, counselling or procuring, is an offence under section 42 by reason of section 43, 45, 46 or 47; and
the act to which it relates (“the contemplated act”) is not an act that is (or that if done would have been) punishable by the law of England and Wales.
For the following purposes it shall be assumed that the contemplated act amounted to the offence under the law of England and Wales that it would have amounted to if it had been the equivalent act in England or Wales.
Those purposes are—
the purpose of determining what punishment may be imposed for the offence under section 42;
the purpose of determining for the purposes of any of the following provisions of this Act whether the act constituting the offence under section 42, or the equivalent act done in England or Wales, is or would be—
an offence under the law of England and Wales;
any particular such offence;
such an offence of any particular description.
If a person subject to service law, or a civilian subject to service discipline, does in or in relation to a military aircraft any act that if done in or in relation to a civil aircraft would amount to a prescribed Air Navigation Order offence, the act shall be treated for the purposes of section 42(1) as punishable by the law of England and Wales.
Where an act is an offence under section 42 by reason of subsection (1) above—
section 42(8)(b) does not apply; and
it shall be assumed for the following purposes that the act amounted to the offence under the law of England and Wales that it would have amounted to if it had been done in or in relation to a civil aircraft.
Those purposes are—
the purpose of determining what punishment may be imposed for the offence under section 42;
the purpose of determining for the purposes of any of the following provisions of this Act whether the act constituting the offence under section 42 is—
an offence under the law of England and Wales;
any particular such offence;
such an offence of any particular description.
In this section—
“civil aircraft” means an aircraft that is registered in the United Kingdom and is not a military aircraft;
“Air Navigation Order offence” means an offence under an Order in Council made under section 60 of the Civil Aviation Act 1982 (whenever made, and whether or not also made under any other enactment);
The Court Martial has jurisdiction to try any service offence.
In this Act “service offence” means—
any offence under Part 1;
an offence under section 107 (breach of requirement imposed on release from custody);
an offence under section 229 (breach of service restraining order);
an offence under section 266 (failure to comply with financial statement order);
any offence under Chapter 1 of Part 13 (testing for alcohol and drugs);
any offence under regulations under section 328 (false answer during enlistment in a regular force) or section 343 (service inquiries) that the regulations provide is a service offence;
an offence under section 18 or 20 of the Armed Forces Act 1991 (c. 62) (orders for the protection of children);
an offence under any of sections 95 to 97 of the Reserve Forces Act 1996 (c. 14) (reserve forces offences); or
an offence under paragraph 5(1) of Schedule 1 to that Act (false answer during enlistment in a reserve force) committed by a person within paragraph 5(3) of that Schedule.
The Service Civilian Court has jurisdiction to try any service offence committed outside the British Islands by a civilian, except an offence within subsection (3) or an offence in relation to which subsection (6) applies.
For the purposes of subsection (1) an offence is committed by a civilian if it is committed by a person who, at the time when it is committed, is a civilian subject to service discipline.
The offences within this subsection are—
an indictable-only offence under section 42;
an offence under section 266 committed in respect of a financial statement order made by a court other than the Service Civilian Court;
any service offence under regulations under section 328 or 343;
an offence within section 50(2)(h) or (i) (Reserve Forces Act offences).
For the purposes of subsection (3)(a) an offence under section 42 is “indictable-only” if the corresponding offence under the law of England and Wales is under that law an offence which, if committed by an adult, is triable only on indictment; but this is subject to subsection (5).
Where the defendant is aged under 18 at the time a decision under section 279 is made, an offence under section 42 is “indictable-only” for the purposes of subsection (3)(a) above if (and only if)—
the corresponding offence under the law of England and Wales is murder, manslaughter or an offence under section 5 of the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004 (c. 28) (causing or allowing death of child etc); or
section 227 (firearms offences) would apply if the accused were convicted by the Court Martial of the offence under section 42.
This subsection applies in relation to an offence if the defendant is for the time being—
a member of the regular or reserve forces; or
liable to recall.
For the purposes of subsection (6) a person is “liable to recall” if—
under section 65(1) of the Reserve Forces Act 1996 (c. 14) he is liable to be recalled for service; or
he is liable to be recalled as mentioned in section 35(1) of the Reserve Forces Act 1980 (c. 9).
A charge against a person (“the accused”) in respect of an offence is capable of being heard summarily if (and only if) conditions A to C are met.
Condition A is that the offence is one that may be dealt with at a summary hearing (see section 53).
Condition B is that the accused is—
an officer of or below the rank of commander, lieutenant-colonel or wing commander; or
a person of or below the rank or rate of warrant officer.
Condition C is (subject to subsections (5) and (6)) that the accused is— from the time the offence is committed to the end of the summary hearing of the charge.
subject to service law,
a member of a volunteer reserve force, or
a member of an ex-regular reserve force who is subject to an additional duties commitment,
If the offence is one under section 96(1) of the Reserve Forces Act 1996 (c. 14) committed by virtue of section 96(2) of that Act, condition C is that the accused is— from the time the offence is committed to the end of the summary hearing of the charge.
liable to recall, or
a member of the regular forces,
If the offence is any other Reserve Forces Act offence, condition C is that the accused is a member of a reserve force from the time the offence is committed to the end of the summary hearing of the charge.
For the purposes of this section—
a person is “liable to recall” if—
under section 65(1) of the Reserve Forces Act 1996 he is liable to be recalled for service; or
he is liable to be recalled as mentioned in section 35(1) of the Reserve Forces Act 1980 (c. 9);
“Reserve Forces Act offence” means an offence within section 53(1)(k).
Where at any time it falls to a person to determine for the purposes of any provision of this Act whether a charge is or would be capable of being heard summarily, the references in subsections (4) to (6) to the end of the summary hearing of the charge are to be read as references to that time.
The following service offences may be dealt with at a summary hearing—
an offence under section 4(3);
an offence under any of sections 9 to 15;
an offence under section 16(1)(a), or an offence under section 16(1)(c) committed by omission;
an offence under any of sections 17 to 29;
an offence under section 30(1) of negligently doing an act that results in a person’s escape, or an offence under section 30(2);
an offence under any of sections 34 to 36;
an offence under section 42 (criminal conduct) within subsection (3);
an offence under section 107;
an offence under Chapter 1 of Part 13;
any service offence under regulations under section 328 or 343;
an offence under section 96 or 97 of the Reserve Forces Act 1996 of absence without leave.
Any reference in a paragraph of subsection (1), except paragraph (g), to an offence includes an offence under section 39 of attempting to commit that offence.
An offence under section 42 is within this subsection if the corresponding offence under the law of England and Wales is—
an offence listed in either Part of Schedule 1 (criminal conduct offences that may be dealt with at a summary hearing); or
an offence under section 1 of the Criminal Attempts Act 1981 (c. 47) of attempting to commit an (indictable) offence so listed.
The Secretary of State may by order amend Schedule 1.
An officer may not hear summarily a charge in respect of an offence within subsection (2) unless—
he has obtained the permission of higher authority; or
he is of or above the rank of rear admiral, major-general or air vice-marshal.
An offence is within this subsection if it is an offence under section 42 as respects which the corresponding offence under the law of England and Wales is—
an offence listed in Part 2 of Schedule 1; or
an offence under section 1 of the Criminal Attempts Act 1981 of attempting to commit an (indictable) offence so listed.