Part 13

Miscellaneous

Dangerous substances

Use of noxious substances or things to cause harm and intimidate
113
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 an international governmental organisation 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.
Words in s. 113(1)(c) inserted (13.4.2006) by Terrorism Act 2006 (c. 11), ss. 34(b), 39(2); S.I. 2006/1013, art. 2