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Contaminating goods causing public alarm or economic loss
Contaminating goods causing public alarm or economic loss
Written by
Kristina Kothrakis
Criminal Defence Lawyer
What the Law states - Contaminating goods causing public alarm or economic loss
Crimes Act 1958 - SECT 249
Contaminating goods with intent to cause, or being reckless as to whether it would cause, public alarm or economic loss249. Contaminating goods with intent to cause, or being reckless as to whether it would cause, public alarm or economic loss
A person must not contaminate goods with the intention of causing, or being reckless as to whether or not the contamination would cause-
(a) public alarm or anxiety; or
(b) economic loss through public awareness of the contamination.
Penalty: Level 5 imprisonment (10 years maximum) or a level 5 fine (1200 penalty units maximum) or both. Note Division 2B of Part 4 of the Sentencing Act 1991 provides for the making of cost recovery orders in respect of costs incurred by emergency service agencies in providing an immediate response to an emergency arising out of the commission of an offence against this section.
Maximum Penalty in Victoria
10 years imprisonment and/or 1200 penalty units
What the Prosecution must prove - Contaminating goods causing public alarm or economic loss - Vic
1. That the accused contaminated goods;
2. That the contamination was intended to, or the accused ought to have known that the contamination would cause public alarm or anxiety, or economic loss through the public becoming aware of the contamination.
Possible Defences - Contaminating goods causing public alarm or economic loss
1. Lack of contamination
2. Knowledge
3. Identity
4. Lack of intent
Which court will hear the charge of Contaminating goods causing public alarm or economic loss
County Court
