Perverting the course of justice is a serious offence. It can only be tried on indictment at the Crown Court and carries a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. The offence is committed where a person:
- does an act.
- which has a tendency to pervert; and
- which is intended to pervert the course of public justice.
The word pervert can mean “alter” but the behaviour does not have to go that far – any act that interferes with an investigation or causes it to head in the wrong direction may tend to pervert the course of justice.
The prosecution must prove there is a possibility that what the defendant has done “without more” might lead to a wrongful consequence, such as the arrest of an innocent person.
If you are facing an allegation of perverting the course of justice, then it is essential that you take immediate legal advice from one of our expert Solicitors at SCM Law.
If you would like to discuss anything with us, please get in touch.