All disposals
Public Order· POA 1986
Section 5 — Harassment, alarm or distress
Threatening or abusive words/behaviour, or disorderly behaviour, within hearing or sight of a person likely to be caused harassment, alarm or distress.
Penalty reference
- Mode of trial
- Summary
- Maximum penalty
- Level 3 fine (£1,000) — no power of imprisonment.
- FPN / PND
- £90 PND (s.5 POA is a notifiable offence under the PND scheme)
- Out-of-court eligibility
- ✓ CR✓ Caution✕ Cond. Caution
Triage the circumstances
Quick answers — the engine applies the College/CPS hard rules.
Need a refresher on the terms? See the Glossary.