PART 1Criminal Justice
Offences involving intent to cause distress etc
I132Sending letters etc with intent to cause distress or anxiety
1
In section 1 of the Malicious Communications Act 1988 (offence of sending letters etc with intent to cause distress or anxiety), for subsection (4) substitute—
4
A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable—
a
on conviction on indictment to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years or a fine (or both);
b
on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months or a fine (or both).
5
In relation to an offence committed before section 154(1) of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 comes into force, the reference in subsection (4)(b) to 12 months is to be read as a reference to six months.
6
In relation to an offence committed before section 85 of the Legal Aid Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2012 comes into force, the reference in subsection (4)(b) to a fine is to be read as a reference to a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum.
2
The amendment made by this section applies only in relation to an offence committed on or after the day on which it comes into force.