Part 13Miscellaneous

Dangerous substances

113 Use of noxious substances or things to cause harm and intimidate

1

A person who takes any action which—

a

involves the use of a noxious substance or other noxious thing;

b

has or is likely to have an effect falling within subsection (2); and

c

is designed to influence the government or to intimidate the public or a section of the public,

is guilty of an offence.

2

Action has an effect falling within this subsection if it—

a

causes serious violence against a person anywhere in the world;

b

causes serious damage to real or personal property anywhere in the world;

c

endangers human life or creates a serious risk to the health or safety of the public or a section of the public; or

d

induces in members of the public the fear that the action is likely to endanger their lives or create a serious risk to their health or safety;

but any effect on the person taking the action is to be disregarded.

3

A person who—

a

makes a threat that he or another will take any action which constitutes an offence under subsection (1); and

b

intends thereby to induce in a person anywhere in the world the fear that the threat is likely to be carried out,

is guilty of an offence.

4

A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable—

a

on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum (or both); and

b

on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding fourteen years or a fine (or both).

5

In this section—

  • “the government” means the government of the United Kingdom, of a part of the United Kingdom or of a country other than the United Kingdom; and

  • “the public” includes the public of a country other than the United Kingdom.