(1)  In this section –

relevant offence means –

(a) an offence against section 124 , 125B , 125C , 125D or 127 ; and

(b) an offence of attempting to commit an offence against section 124 , 125B , 125C , 125D or 127 .

(2)  In proceedings for a relevant offence, by an accused, in respect of a person who is under the age of 13 years, a mistaken belief by the accused as to the age of the person does not excuse the accused from criminal responsibility for any act or omission done or made under such a mistaken belief.

(3)  In proceedings for a relevant offence, by an accused, in respect of a person who is under the age of 17 years, a mistaken belief by the accused as to the age of the person is not honest or reasonable if –

(a) the accused did not take all reasonable steps to ascertain the age of the person; or

(b) the accused was in a state of self-induced intoxication and the mistake was not one which the accused would have made if not intoxicated.

(4)  For the avoidance of doubt, in proceedings for a relevant offence, by an accused, in respect of a person who is under the age of 17 years but not under the age of 13 years, an honest and reasonable but mistaken belief by the accused as to the age of the person may be relied on for the purpose of a defence referred to in section 124(3) , section 125B(3) , section 125C(4) , section 125D(5) or section 127(2) .