Member

I would add that for the legislation to include a reasonable excuse defence would be wrong in principle, because Parliament would be saying that such conduct—the conduct we are discussing—could be excusable, and it is not. To include such a defence would also be unfortunate in practice, because the inevitable consequence will be that defendants take up the court’s time presenting spurious excuses such as—this is what happens— “I was only having a laugh” or “The victim lacks a sense of humour”. That type of defence, and others, will add to the distress of the victims. A reasonable excuse provision has no place in this offence.