25. Use of code of conduct in proceedings

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(1)

A code of conduct is admissible in evidence in any proceedings in a court where —

(a)

a person is alleged to have committed an offence or a civil wrong —

(i)

by reason of a contravention of any provision of this Act; or

(ii)

by reason of a failure to discharge or perform a duty or other requirement imposed by this Act; and

(b)

the matter to which the alleged contravention or failure relates is one to which, in the opinion of the court in the proceedings, a code of conduct relates.

(2)

In criminal proceedings or civil proceedings in a court, evidence that —

(a)

a person has complied with a provision in a code of conduct found by the court to be relevant to a matter to which a contravention or failure alleged in the proceedings relates; or

(b)

a person has contravened or failed to comply with, whether by act or omission, any such provision so found,may be relied on by any party to those proceedings as tending to establish or negative any liability which is in question in those proceedings.

(3)

To avoid doubt, a reference in subsection (1) to a provision of this Act includes a provision of any regulations.