Violent disorder is a statutory offence in England and Wales. It is created by section 2(1) of the Public Order Act 1986. Sections 2(1) to (4) of that Act provide:
- (1) Where 3 or more persons who are present together use or threaten unlawful violence and the conduct of them (taken together) is such as would cause a person of reasonable firmness present at the scene to fear for their personal safety, each of the persons using or threatening unlawful violence is guilty of violent disorder.
- (2) It is immaterial whether or not the 3 or more use or threaten unlawful violence simultaneously.
- (3) No person of reasonable firmness need actually be, or be likely to be, present at the scene.
- (4) Violent disorder may be committed in private as well as in public places.
"3 or more persons"
See the following cases:
- R v Mahroof, 88 Cr App R 317, CA
- R v Fleming and Robinson Crim LR 658, CA
- R v McGuigan and Cameron Crim LR 719, CA
"Violence"
This word is defined by section 8.
Read more about Violent Disorder: Mens Rea, Indictment, Alternative Verdict, Arrest, Mode of Trial and Sentence
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