Communication network offences (malicious communications / improper use of public electronic communications network)

Actus reus

• Communications Act 2003, s.127(1): send (or cause to be sent) by a public electronic communications network a message that is grossly offensive or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character.
• s.127(2): for the purpose of causing annoyance, inconvenience or needless anxiety, send a message known to be false, cause such a message to be sent, or persistently make use of the network.
• Malicious Communications Act 1988, s.1 is a different offence (sending an indecent or grossly offensive message to another with a purpose of causing distress or anxiety). Check the charged Act.

Mens rea

• s.127(1): the message must be of the statutory character. Do not add a free-standing “intent to offend” that the section does not state — read the current CPS communications guidance for the mental element they apply.
• s.127(2): purpose of causing annoyance, inconvenience or needless anxiety, and (false-message limb) knowledge of falsity.
• MCA 1988, s.1: purpose, or one purpose, that the message should cause distress or anxiety.

Defences

Not sent by a public electronic communications network (s.127) · Not grossly offensive / indecent / obscene / menacing · Not the sender · MCA: no purpose of causing distress or anxiety