87Blackmail

87 Blackmail

(1) A person is guilty of blackmail if, with a view to gain for himself or another or with intent to cause loss to another, he makes any unwarranted demand with menaces; and for this purpose a demand with menaces is unwarranted unless the person making it does so in the belief—

(a) that he has reasonable grounds for making the demand; and

(b) that the use of the menaces is proper means of reinforcing the demand.

(2) The nature of the act or omission demanded is immaterial, and it is also immaterial whether the menaces relate to action to be taken by the person making the demand.

S. 87(3) amended by Nos 9576 s. 11(1), 49/1991 s. 119(1)
s. 60(1)(Sch. 1 item 65).

(3) A person guilty of blackmail is guilty of an indictable offence and liable to level 4 imprisonment (15 years maximum).

Heading preceding s. 88

Offences relating to goods stolen, &c.

S. 88 substituted by No. 8425 s. 2(1)(b), amended by No. 70/1987 s. 5(a)(b).