Public Order Act 1986, s 2(1)

Violent disorder

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

What the law says

Where three or more persons who are present together use or threaten unlawful violence and the conduct of them (taken together) is such as would cause a person of reasonable firmness present at the scene to fear for his personal safety, each of the persons using or threatening unlawful violence is guilty of violent disorder.

CJS codes
Official CJS offence index (March 2026)
—Charged under the specific underlying offence code.

Points to prove

  • 1. used/threatened unlawful violence
  • 2. three persons present together
  • 3. use/threaten unlawful violence and their conduct (taken together)
  • 4. would cause a person of reasonable firmness present at the scene
  • 5. to fear for their personal safety

Defences

  • It is immaterial whether or not the three or more use or threaten unlawful violence simultaneously.

Mode of trial & maximum penalty

Either way — Summary: 6/12 months' imprisonment and/or a fine; Indictment: 5 years' imprisonment and/or a fine

Reference only — verify against current legislation and force policy before charge. Spotted an error? Tell us.

Sources

  • Verified dataset — legislation.gov.uk (current revised versions)

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