Intentional Harassment, Alarm or Distress
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In English Law Intentional Harassment, Alarm or Distress forms part of the Public Order Act 1986 under section 4a.
The Public Order Act 1986 s.4a states:
1) A person is guilty of an offence if, with intent to cause a person intentional 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.
This offence can be Racially or Religiously aggravated (Crime and Disorder Act 1998, s31(1)(b)
[edit] Ramifications
- Statutory Power of Arrest
- Triable summarily (Can be brought before a Magistrates)
- Six months imprisonment and/or a fine
Racially or Religiously aggravated Fear or Provocation of Violence:
- Statutory Power of Arrest
- Triable either way (Can be brought before a Magistrates court or Crown court)
- Two years imprisonment and/or a fine on indictment; six months imprisonment and/or a fine summarily
[edit] References
- Blackstones Police Manual Volume 4 General police duties, Fraser Simpson (2006). pp. 251. Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-928522-5
