Section 29, The Sexual Offences Act, 2012

(1) It is a defence to a charge under sections 26 and 27 ifthe defendant satisfies the court on the balance of probabilities that the defendant believed, on reasonable grounds, that the child depicted in the material alleged to constitute child pornography was of or over the age of 18. (2) It is a defence to a charge under section 28 if the defendant satisfies the court on the balance of probabilities that– (a) the defendant believes on reasonable grounds, that the child depicted in the material alleged to constitute child pornography was of or over the age of 18; and (b) the defendant took all reasonable steps to ascertain the age of that person. 14 15 Producing and distributing child pornography. Possessing or accessing child pornography. Use of children for pornographic purposes. Defence. No. 12 Sexual Offences Act 2012No. 12 Sexual Offences Act 201216 17