Section 1(2), Criminal Damage Act 1971

Damage / destroy property with intent to endanger life

The statutory wording, points to prove, defences and penalty — verified against legislation.gov.uk (current revised versions, October 2026).

What the law says

Section 1(2) — endangering life by damage
A person commits the offence where, without lawful excuse, they destroy or damage property, whether belonging to themselves or another, intending to destroy or damage it or being reckless as to that, and intending by the destruction or damage to endanger another person's life or being reckless as to whether life would thereby be endangered. The danger must arise from the damage.
Section 5 boundary
The statutory consent and property-protection branches in Section 5(2) apply to Section 1(1), not to this Section 1(2) identity.
Penalty
On indictment: Life imprisonment, a fine, or both.

CJS codes

Official CJS offence index (June 2026)

CD71041Damage / destroy property with intent to endanger life

Points to prove

1. The defendant intended to destroy or damage property.
2. The defendant intended by that destruction or damage to endanger another person's life.
3. The charged identity does not allege damage by fire.

Points to prove for 1,200+ offences, offline in two taps. Free on iPhone.

Download Section free

Mode of trial & maximum penalty

Indictable only — Court maximum
On indictment: Life imprisonment, a fine, or both.
Out-of-court disposal
Not a fixed penalty or penalty notice for disorder offence.

Sources

This card, offline, in two taps

Section puts 1,200+ offences with verified points to prove, penalties and CJS codes in your pocket — built for on-shift lookup, free.

Download Section free