Absent the defendant's consent, copies of statutory material may not be given to the jury, even in response to a request from the jury. It is now well established that a violation of this rule, as is the case here, requires reversal irrespective of prejudice to the defendant. (People v. Nimmons, 72 N.Y.2d 830; People v. Sanders, 70 N.Y.2d 837; People v. Owens, 69 N.Y.2d 585.) As the People forthrightly concede, the conviction must be reversed and the matter remanded for a new trial.
In view of this disposition, it is unnecessary to consider the other arguments raised by defendant.
Concur — Kupferman, J.P., Sullivan, Rosenberger, Ellerin and Smith, JJ.