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Home » Legal Resources » Legal Guidance » S to U » Sentencing manual » Custody or control of a false instrument

Custody or Control of a False Instrument

Title: Forgery
Offence: Custody or control of a false instrument
Legislation: S5(2) Forgery and Counterfeiting Act 1981
Mode of Trial: Either Way
Statutory Limitations & Maximum Penalty: 2 years

Aggravating & Mitigating Factors

  • Nature of instrument
  • Intended Use
  • Gain - actual and intended
  • Defendant a professional or quasi-professional
  • Sophisticated Offending
  • Professional Hallmarks

Relevant Sentencing Guidelines

None

Relevant Sentencing Case Law

R v Fabio De Oliveira [2005] EWCA Crim 3187. Simple possession of a passport. Guilty plea 8 months. The guidelines in Kolawole apply to offences of a passport with intent (S3(1) and S5(1) FCA 1981) accept and not to simple possession (S5(2) FCA 1981.)

Ancillary Orders

  • Forfeiture and Destruction S7(3) Forgery and Counterfeiting Act 1981

Links

Offence ARCHBOLD 22-31
Penalties ARCHBOLD 22-37

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