Vandalism / criminal damageVerified against official source

Criminal damage (s.1(1)) — summary (damage £5,000 or less)

Imprisonment

0 (no mandatory prison) – 6 months

Fine

Unlimited fine

0 = the law sets no minimum prison term. The court is not required to impose prison. Depending on the offence, jurisdiction, and case, it may instead impose a non-custodial sentence — e.g. a suspended sentence, community order / probation, a fine, or a discharge.

Summary-only where the damage does not exceed £5,000 (Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 s.22).

Criminal damage (s.1(1)) — on indictment

Imprisonment

0 (no mandatory prison) – 10 years

Fine

Unlimited fine

0 = the law sets no minimum prison term. The court is not required to impose prison. Depending on the offence, jurisdiction, and case, it may instead impose a non-custodial sentence — e.g. a suspended sentence, community order / probation, a fine, or a discharge.

Criminal damage endangering life (s.1(2)) — on indictment

Imprisonment

0 (no mandatory prison) – life

Fine

Unlimited fine

0 = the law sets no minimum prison term. The court is not required to impose prison. Depending on the offence, jurisdiction, and case, it may instead impose a non-custodial sentence — e.g. a suspended sentence, community order / probation, a fine, or a discharge.

Indictable only. Includes arson endangering life.

Arson (s.1(3)) — on indictment

Imprisonment

0 (no mandatory prison) – life

Fine

Unlimited fine

0 = the law sets no minimum prison term. The court is not required to impose prison. Depending on the offence, jurisdiction, and case, it may instead impose a non-custodial sentence — e.g. a suspended sentence, community order / probation, a fine, or a discharge.

Arson is charged under s.1; s.4(1) gives it a life maximum.

Threats to destroy / damage property (s.2) — on indictment

Imprisonment

0 (no mandatory prison) – 10 years

Fine

Unlimited fine

0 = the law sets no minimum prison term. The court is not required to impose prison. Depending on the offence, jurisdiction, and case, it may instead impose a non-custodial sentence — e.g. a suspended sentence, community order / probation, a fine, or a discharge.

Possessing anything with intent to destroy / damage property (s.3) — on indictment

Imprisonment

0 (no mandatory prison) – 10 years

Fine

Unlimited fine

0 = the law sets no minimum prison term. The court is not required to impose prison. Depending on the offence, jurisdiction, and case, it may instead impose a non-custodial sentence — e.g. a suspended sentence, community order / probation, a fine, or a discharge.