Witness and juror intimidation and reprisals: CJPOA 1994 s51 and CJPA 2001 s39—elements, presumptions and sentencing (England and Wales)

Published by a LexisNexis Corporate Crime expert

Practice notes

Intimidation of witnesses and jurors

Intimidating witnesses and/or jurors in criminal proceedings is an offence under section 51 of the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 (CJPOA 1994). A person commits this offence if they:

carry out an act that intimidates, and is meant to intimidate, another person (the victim)
do so knowing or believing that the victim is assisting in the investigation of an offence, or is a witness or potential witness, or a juror or potential juror in proceedings for an offence
act with the intention of causing the investigation or the course of justice to be obstructed, perverted, or interfered with

‘Investigation into an offence’ means an inquiry by the police or any other person charged with the duty of investigating offences or charging offenders. ‘Offence’ includes an alleged or suspected offence. ‘Potential’, in relation to a juror, means someone summoned for jury service at the court where proceedings for the offence are pending.

Revenge against witnesses and jurors

The same section also creates an offence of threatening or harming a witness in retaliation for their having given evidence or for assisting in an investigation...

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Hugo Lodge

2BR

Specialist in AML, ESG and Financial Crime requirements. Experienced barrister, regulator and regulatory partner. Called to the Bar by Gray's Inn, 1998.In private practice, advises on AML, targeted financial sanctions and related compliance for investment managers, fund entities, trust companies and banks in London, Cayman, Dubai, New York and Hong Kong. Experienced on anti-bribery & corruption requirements, and data protection. Published academic author with Oxford University Press on Sanctions, AML and aspects of Counter-Terrorist Financing. Also wrote the Guide to the Criminal Finances Act 2017 for the Law Society of England and Wales. Expert in advising on corporate due diligence and reasonable preventative measures. Experienced jury and appellate advocate.In the public sphere, prosecuted for the UK Department of BIS, and specialist CPS divisions, later practised at 7BR's complex fraud team. Worked at the UK Financial Conduct Authority (Retail Banking, Enforcement and Market...

Web page updated on 21/05/2026

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