Malicious Damage Act 1861

Injuries to Bridges, Viaducts, and Toll Bars

33 Injury to a public Bridge.

Whosoever shall unlawfully and maliciously pull or throw down or in anywise destroy any Bridge (whether over any Stream of Water or not), or any Viaduct, or Aqueduct, over or under which Bridge, Viaduct, or Aqueduct any Highway, Railway, or Canal shall pass, or do any Injury with Intent and so as thereby to render such Bridge, Viaduct, or Aqueduct, or the Highway, Railway, or Canal passing over or under the same, or any Part thereof, dangerous or impassable, shall be guilty of Felony, and being convicted thereof shall be liable, at the Discretion of the Court, to be kept in Penal Servitude for Life or for any Term not less than Three Years,—or to be imprisoned for any Term not exceeding Two Years, with or without Hard Labour, and with or without Solitary Confinement, and, if a Male under the Age of Sixteen Years, with or without Whipping.

34 Destroying a Turnpike Gate, Toll House, &c.

Whosoever shall unlawfully and maliciously throw down, level, or otherwise destroy, in whole or in part, any Turnpike Gate or Toll Bar, or any Wall, Chain, Rail, Post, Bar, or other Fence belonging to any Turnpike Gate or Toll Bar, or set up or erected to prevent Passengers passing by without paying any Toll directed to be paid by any Act of Parliament relating thereto, or any House, Building, or Weighing Engine erected for the better Collection, Ascertainment, or Security of any such Toll, shall be guilty of a Misdemeanor.