Public Order Offences

The Public Order Act 1986, passed during the course of the Thatcher administration was enacted as a direct response to some of the large scale disturbances that occurred during the course of the 1970’s and early 80’s, the high incidence of football hooliganism, the inner city rioting in the early 80‘s and of course the 1984/5 miners strike.

Sadly, in our experience, some individual Police Officers can use this legislation to intimidate and control otherwise perfectly law abiding members of the public.

The Act creates five core offences

• Riot
• Violent Disorder
• Affray
• Threatening Behaviour
• Behaviour likely to cause Harassment Alarm of Distress

 

As you can see from the list above, the offences created under the Public Order Act vary enormously in seriousness.

We can provide expert assistance whenever clients are charged with any of those offences.

Our criminal team are frequently called upon to attend in the Magistrates’ Courts to help those accused of the less serious Public Disorder matters which can arise through something as simple as a misunderstanding between neighbours or as a result of a Police Officer misinterpreting a situation that might occur in a town centre late at night.

Early intervention by a solicitor in the case is absolutely key to assisting you to unravel the prosecution evidence and build your defence so that this may be presented effectively to a Court, with a view to securing your acquittal later on.

If you are suspected of or already involved in any allegations arising from the Public Order Act, then you should contact us immediately.

Contact Us Now

For further information about this or any of our services, please contact our dedicated criminal team for advice and assistance on 0161 633 9999. Or simply complete our online query form and one of our defence lawyers will contact you shortly.