Author: Bill Doogue
Practice area: Commonwealth offences
Bill is a founding Director of Doogue + George, ranked by Doyle's Guide as a Preeminent Criminal Defence Lawyer in Victoria (2026) and an LIV Accredited Criminal Law Specialist since 1998 with over 30 years of experience in complex criminal and corporate matters. His depth of experience in this area means clients receive accurate, considered advice.
View full profile →Bill authored this content and last revised it for accuracy on 6 August 2026.
What is the offence of Sabotage?
Sabotage is an offence under section 247K of the Crimes Act 1958. It involves deliberate damage to a public facility, including conduct carried out through a property offence or by causing an unauthorised computer function, where the conduct is undertaken with the required intention linked to serious disruption or economic harm.
Key points
- What must be proved: Damage to a public facility and the required intention (major disruption or major economic loss).
- Type of conduct: Damage caused through a property offence or an unauthorised computer function.
- Where it’s heard: County Court (before a Judge).
The maximum penalty for Sabotage is 25 years’ imprisonment (level 2 imprisonment).
Common defences may include Lack of intent; factual dispute about the damage caused to a public facility.
Have you been accused of Sabotage?
Police Interview
Sabotage is a serious crime. So, it is important that you receive legal advice before speaking with Police. One of our experienced lawyers can guide you through questions such as:
- Should I make a statement to Police?
- Should I attend a Police interview?
- Do I need to give my DNA?
- Will the Police leave me alone if I explain my side of the story?
- Will I be remanded?
Pleading Not Guilty
We know that not every allegation is true just because the police say it is. We are dedicated specialist sabotage lawyers who vigorously defend our clients in Court who contest their charges. If you decide to plead not guilty to Sabotage, we can work on your side to protect your interests and guide you through the complex court system. We carefully check the brief of evidence and look for weakness in evidence against you. We can conduct our own investigation to best fight your case. Our firm has in-house counsel who routinely appear at contested hearings and trials.Pleading Guilty
If you decide to plead guilty to a charge of Sabotage, we will work to resolve the case on the most favourable basis possible. This might involve engaging in negotiations with the prosecution about the details of the charge. We will be by your side to walk you through this process and ensure you engage in all the processes that will help to support presenting you in Court.Which court will the case be heard in?
This is a very serious criminal offence that is heard before a Judge in the County Court.What is the legal definition of Sabotage?
A person who—- damages a public facility by committing a property offence or by causing an unauthorised computer function; and
- intends to cause—
- major disruption to government functions; or
- major disruption to the use of services by the public; or
- major economic loss
Examples of Sabotage
- Causing a fire to the generators in a power station.
- Creating a computer bug and implanting it in a government agency computer system.
- Intentionally disrupting the Victorian transport system.
Legislation
The legislation for this offence can be found on section 247K of Crimes Act 1958.Elements of the offence
To establish this offence, the Prosecution must prove beyond reasonable doubt that the accused damaged a public facility by committing a property offence or by causing an unauthorised computer function. The accused must have had the intent of causing major disruption to government functions or to the use of services by the public, or of causing major economic loss.Defences
Defences to this could primarily be lack of intent or a factual dispute as to the damage caused by the accused to a public facility. Like other criminal charges, other defences may be found appropriate by an expert sabotage lawyer depending on the circumstances of the case.Questions in cases like this
- Was there Intent?
- Was there major disruption?
Maximum penalty for section 247K of Crimes Act 1958
Sabotage (s247K of Crimes Act 1958) has a maximum penalty of 25 years imprisonment.Other important resources
FAQ About Sabotage
What are examples of sabotage under Victorian law?
Conduct can include causing a fire to generators in a power station, creating and implanting a computer bug in a government agency computer system, or intentionally disrupting the Victorian transport system. These scenarios involve damage to a public facility and fall within the scope of sabotage where the required intention is present.
Can sabotage charges arise from cyber activity?
Yes. Sabotage can be committed by causing an unauthorised computer function that results in damage to a public facility. This includes interfering with government computer systems in a way that damages infrastructure relied upon for government functions or public services.
What kinds of infrastructure are considered in sabotage allegations?
Infrastructure such as power stations, government agency computer systems and the Victorian transport system are treated as public facilities. Damage to these types of systems or infrastructure can form the basis of a sabotage allegation if the required intention is alleged.
What issues are commonly disputed in sabotage cases?
Disputed issues commonly include whether there was intent to cause major disruption or major economic loss, and whether the alleged conduct resulted in major disruption. Whether the accused actually caused the damage to the public facility is also a central issue in many cases.
What police interview issues can arise in a sabotage investigation?
Issues can include whether to make a statement, whether to attend a police interview, whether DNA may be requested, whether explaining your version of events will affect police contact, and whether remand is a risk. These practical concerns often arise when police seek to question a person about an allegation.
