Points 2 Prove
The Ultimate Police Handbook
Offence of sending letters etc. with intent to cause distress or anxiety
s.1 Malicious Communications Act 1988
Telecomms
Definition
Any person who sends to another person-
(a)a letter, electronic communication or article of any description which conveys-
(i)a message which is indecent or grossly offensive;
(il)a threat; or
(iii) information which is false and known or believed to be false by the sender; or
(b)any article or electronic communication which is, in whole or part, of an indecent or grossly offensive nature,
- is guilty of an offence.
(a)a letter, electronic communication or article of any description which conveys-
(i)a message which is indecent or grossly offensive;
(il)a threat; or
(iii) information which is false and known or believed to be false by the sender; or
(b)any article or electronic communication which is, in whole or part, of an indecent or grossly offensive nature,
- is guilty of an offence.
Points to Prove
- Send a letter, communication or article
- Conveying a threatening message
- Or message at least in part indecent or grossly offensive
- Conveying a threatening message
- Or message at least in part indecent or grossly offensive
Powers & Punishment
On conviction on indictment to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or a fine (or both);
On summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or a fine (or both).
On summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or a fine (or both).
Offence Type
Charging Codes
MT88005 - Offensive nature
MT88007 - Threatening
Crime Recording
PNC Recordable
Crime Report Required