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Disclosure prejudicing investigation.
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100.— (1) Where a request is made in connection with a criminal investigation in the State or a designated state, any person who, knowing or suspecting that the investigation is taking place, makes any disclosure which is likely to prejudice the investigation is guilty of an offence.
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(2) A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable—
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(a) on summary conviction, to a fine not exceeding €5,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or both, or
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(b) on conviction on indictment, to a fine or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years or both.
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(3) In proceedings for an offence under this section it is a defence to prove that the defendant—
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(a) did not know or suspect that the disclosure to which the proceedings relate was likely to prejudice the investigation concerned, or
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(b) had lawful authority or reasonable excuse for making the disclosure.
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