diff --git a/rm-server/source/java/org/alfresco/module/org_alfresco_module_rm/disposition/DispositionServiceImpl.java b/rm-server/source/java/org/alfresco/module/org_alfresco_module_rm/disposition/DispositionServiceImpl.java
index 3883e7a097..c302937ae1 100644
--- a/rm-server/source/java/org/alfresco/module/org_alfresco_module_rm/disposition/DispositionServiceImpl.java
+++ b/rm-server/source/java/org/alfresco/module/org_alfresco_module_rm/disposition/DispositionServiceImpl.java
@@ -1004,6 +1004,10 @@ public class DispositionServiceImpl extends    ServiceBaseImpl
                     recordFolderService.closeRecordFolder(nodeRef);
                 }
             }
+            else
+            {
+                throw new AlfrescoRuntimeException("unable to perform cutoff, because node is frozen or has frozen children");
+            }
         }
         else
         {