Search Result

Injecting people and the law

There are possible serious outcomes for someone who injects another person with drugs. There is a risk of prosecution for administering a drug to someone if it can be proved that there was an intention to cause injury or endanger life.

Anyone prosecuted for one of these offences could argue that the intention didn’t exist because they were giving the drug to help someone and increase safety, rather than harm them. But this probably won’t protect them from at least being arrested initially and potentially having to go through a court case where that argument can be made.

If someone dies after being injected by you, you could be charged with manslaughter. Intent does not need to be proved instead the prosecution would have to show that you had been reckless or negligent. This would be on the grounds that someone injecting another person takes on a duty of care to that person, so where that duty is breached (either by doing something or failing to do something), and this causes or significantly contributes to the person’s death, that is gross negligence and so a crime.

This is a very serious offence and can carry a long prison sentence.

Drug paraphernalia and UK law | Exchange Supplies
What are the UK drug laws? | DrugWise
People who inject drugs: infection risks, guidance and data | Public Health England
Injecting drug use and needle exchange | Release

Injecting other people | MEN R US