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Hoaxes involving noxious substances or things

s.114Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001

Placing or sending a substance or thing, or passing on false information, to make someone believe that a noxious substance is present and will endanger life or seriously risk health.

Hoaxes involving noxious substances or things · Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001, s.114Card 168 / 195

Points to prove

s.114(1)Placed any substance or other thing in any place, or sent any substance or other thing from one place to another (by post, rail or any other means)
s.114(1)With the intention of inducing in a person anywhere in the world a belief that it is likely to be (or contain) a noxious substance or other noxious thing and thereby endanger human life or create a serious risk to human health
s.114(2)Communicated information which they knew or believed to be false
s.114(2)With the intention of inducing in a person anywhere in the world a belief that a noxious substance or thing is likely to be present (then or later) in any place and thereby endanger human life or create a serious risk to human health

Key definitions

Substance – s.115(1): includes any biological agent and any other natural or artificial substance, whatever its form, origin or method of production.
Noxious – not defined. It takes its ordinary meaning of harmful or poisonous, such as anthrax, ricin or a toxic chemical.
No particular victim – s.115(2): the defendant does not need to have any particular person in mind as the person they intend to deceive.

Good to know

Typical example: sending an envelope of white powder with a note claiming it is anthrax.
The offence is about the intended belief. No one needs to be actually deceived, and the substance used is usually harmless.
A genuine use of a noxious substance to cause harm or intimidate is the more serious offence under s.113 of the same Act (maximum 14 years).
Hoaxes about bombs or things liable to explode or ignite are covered by s.51 Criminal Law Act 1977 instead.

Legislation: Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001, s.114 (opens legislation.gov.uk in a new tab)
Mode of trial: Either way
Maximum penalty: 7 years' imprisonment and/or a fine (on indictment); 12 months' imprisonment and/or a fine (summarily)
Last checked: 2 November 2026, against the current law on legislation.gov.uk

Hoaxes involving noxious substances or things: questions people ask

What are the points to prove for hoaxes involving noxious substances or things?

1. Placed any substance or other thing in any place, or sent any substance or other thing from one place to another (by post, rail or any other means) 2. With the intention of inducing in a person anywhere in the world a belief that it is likely to be (or contain) a noxious substance or other noxious thing and thereby endanger human life or create a serious risk to human health 3. Communicated information which they knew or believed to be false 4. With the intention of inducing in a person anywhere in the world a belief that a noxious substance or thing is likely to be present (then or later) in any place and thereby endanger human life or create a serious risk to human health

What is the maximum sentence for hoaxes involving noxious substances or things?

7 years' imprisonment and/or a fine (on indictment); 12 months' imprisonment and/or a fine (summarily)

Is hoaxes involving noxious substances or things a summary, either-way or indictable offence?

Hoaxes involving noxious substances or things is an either-way offence: it can be tried in the magistrates’ court or the Crown Court.

What Act and section is hoaxes involving noxious substances or things?

Hoaxes involving noxious substances or things is an offence under the Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001, s.114.

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