Points 2 Prove
The Ultimate Police Handbook
Intentional harassment, alarm or distress
s.4a Public Order Act 1986
Public Order
Definition
(1)A person is guilty of an offence if, with intent to cause a person harassment, alarm or distress, he -
(a) uses threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour, or disorderly behaviour, or
(b) displays any writing, sign or other visible representation which is threatening, abusive or insulting,
Thereby causing that or another person harassment, alarm or distress.
(2) An offence under this section may be committed in a public or a private place, except that no offence is committed where the words or behaviour are used, or the writing, sign or other visible representation is displayed, by a person inside a dwelling and the person who is harassed, alarmed or distressed is also inside that or another dwelling.
(a) uses threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour, or disorderly behaviour, or
(b) displays any writing, sign or other visible representation which is threatening, abusive or insulting,
Thereby causing that or another person harassment, alarm or distress.
(2) An offence under this section may be committed in a public or a private place, except that no offence is committed where the words or behaviour are used, or the writing, sign or other visible representation is displayed, by a person inside a dwelling and the person who is harassed, alarmed or distressed is also inside that or another dwelling.
Points to Prove
- Display any writing, sign or visible representation
- Or use words or behaviour
- With intent to cause harassment, alarm or distress
- Or use words or behaviour
- With intent to cause harassment, alarm or distress
Powers & Punishment
Imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale or both
Offence Type
Charging Codes
AD70001
PU86116 - Use words or behaviour
PU86117 - Display any writing, sign or visible representation
Crime Recording
PNC Recordable
Crime Report Required
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(3) It is a defence for the accused to prove -
(a) that he was inside a dwelling and had no reason to believe that the words or behaviour used, or the writing, sign or other visible representation displayed, would be heard or seen by a person outside that or any other dwelling, or
(b) that his conduct was reasonable.
(a) that he was inside a dwelling and had no reason to believe that the words or behaviour used, or the writing, sign or other visible representation displayed, would be heard or seen by a person outside that or any other dwelling, or
(b) that his conduct was reasonable.