Damage building or motor vehicle by fire or explosive

It is an offence to damage another person’s property (building or motor vehicle) intentionally or recklessly, using fire or explosives.

Maximum penalty: life imprisonment.

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Damage building or motor vehicle other than by fire or explosive

It is also an offence to damage another person’s property (building or motor vehicle) intentionally or recklessly, in any another way (other than by fire or explosives).

Maximum penalty: 10 years imprisonment

 

Damage property other than building or motor vehicle

It is an offence to damage another person’s property (other than a building or motor vehicle) intentionally or recklessly.

Maximum penalty: 10 years imprisonment

 

Threat to damage property

It is also an offence to threaten to damage another person's property intending to create fear that the threat will be carried out or being recklessly indifferent to the creation of fear.

Maximum penalty:

Basic offence: 5 years imprisonment

Aggravated offence: 7 years imprisonment

Offence aggravated by a threat to commit arson: 15 years imprisonment.

 

Recklessly endangering property

It is an offence to do something knowing that it creates a substantial risk of serious property damage to someone else’s property.

It is a defence if the accused can prove they held an honest belief that the act was reasonable and necessary for the protection of life or property.

Maximum penalty: 6 years imprisonment

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There are potential defences to property damage offences. Please contact us for more

information.