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Custody or Control of Equipment

Date Produced: January 2012
Title: Forgery
Offence: Custody or control of equipment
Legislation: S5(4) Forgery and Counterfeiting Act 1981
Mode of Trial: Either Way
Statutory Limitations & Maximum Penalty: 2 years

Without lawful authority or excuse, having custody or control of machine, implements, paper or other material which to Ds knowledge is or has been designed or adapted for making a false instrument.  See also offence of specific intent under s 5(3) Forgery and Counterfeiting Act 1981. 

Aggravating and Mitigating Factors

  • Nature of the equipment
  • Its intended or prior use
  • The value of the gain, actual and intended
  • Sophisticated nature of the offending if indicated
  • Repeat offending

Relevant Sentencing Council Guideline (if any)

None

Relevant sentencing Guidelines (If any)

None

Relevant Sentencing Case Law

None

Ancillary Orders:

  • Compensation
  • Confiscation
  • POCA
  • Forfeiture orders - of any item shown to relate to the offence - to be destroyed or dealt with in any manner the court thinks fit, s 7(3) F +C Act 1981.

Consider Also

  • SGC Guideline for s 6 FRAUD ACT 2006  -  limited guidance as max is 5 yrs, but may assist and could in some cases as a more appropriate charge.

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