| Behaviour | Offence
| DPP guidance | Time limit, if any, for investigation before prosecution
| Court | Maximum penalty
|
| Breach of court orders | Contempt of Court Act 1981
| (3) Breach of court orders |
| | |
| Breach of court orders (e.g. naming a person)
| Sexual Offences Amendment Act 1992, s 5 (identification of a victim of a sexual offence)
| (3) Breach of court orders | 6 months
| Magistrates' Court | Level 5 fine (up to £5,000)
|
| Cyber bullying | Offences Against the Person Act 1861, s 16 (threat to kill)
| (1) Credible threats | |
Crown Court | 10 years |
| Cyber bullying | Protection From Harassment Act 1997, s 4 (fear of violence)
| (1) Credible threats | |
Magistrates' or Crown Court | Magistrates: 6 months, up to maximum fine or both
Crown: 5 years, fine or both
|
| Cyber bullying | Protection from Harassment Act 1997, s 2 (harassment)
| (2) Communications targeting specific individuals
| 6 months | Magistrates' Court
| 6 months or level 5 fine (up to £5,000) or both
|
| Cyber bullying | Protection from Harassment Act 1997, s 2A (stalking)
| (2) Communications targeting specific individuals
| 6 months | Magistrates' Court
| 6 months or level 5 fine (up to £5,000) or both
|
| Revenge pornography | Communications Act 2003, s 127 Malicious Communications Act 1988, s 1
| (4) Communications which are grossly offensive, indecent, obscene or false
| 6 months | Magistrates' Court
| 6 months or level 5 fine (up to £5,000) or both
|
| Stalking | Protection from Harassment Act 1997, s 4A (stalking involving fear of violence, serious alarm or distress)
| (2) Communications targeting specific individuals
| | Magistrates' Court or Crown Court
| Magistrates: 12 months, up to maximum fine or both
Crown: 5 years, fine or both
|
| Threats | Malicious Communications Act 1988, s 1
| (1)Credible threats
(4) Communications which are grossly offensive, indecent, obscene or false
| 6 months | Magistrates' Court
| 6 months or level 5 fine (up to £5,000) or both
|
| Virtual mobbing | Communications Act 2003, s 127
| (1) Credible threats
(4) Communications which are grossly offensive, indecent, obscene or false
| 6 months | Magistrates' Court
| 6 months or level 5 fine (up to £5,000) or both
|
| Racial or religious aggravation | Crime and Disorder Act 1998 s 28
| (2) Communications targeting specific individuals
| | | |
| Disability, sexual orientation or transgender identity aggravation
| Criminal Justice Act 2003 s 146 | (2) Communications targeting specific individuals
| | | |
