poison
n. A substance that, if ingested, is capable of endangering life or injuring health. It is an offence (punishable by up to five years’ imprisonment) to cause someone to consume a poison or any other noxious substance (which can include drugs or alcohol administered in such quantities as to be harmful) with the intention of injuring or annoying them, even if no injury results (Offences Against the Person Act 1861 s 24). It is also an offence (punishable by up to ten years’ imprisonment) to cause someone to consume such substances so that their life is endangered or they suffer grievous bodily harm as a result, even if this was not intended (Offences Against the Person Act 1861 s 23). Administering poison with the intention of killing someone or causing them serious harm may amount to an attempt to murder or to cause grievous bodily harm. In both cases the attempt will be punishable with a maximum sentence of life imprisonment. A person who uses or who threatens to use a noxious substance or other noxious thing in order to cause harm or intimidate in regard to an act of terrorism will fall under the Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001 (s 113). The sale of poisons is controlled by various statutes, principally the Medicines Act 1968 and Poisons Act 1972. See also acid attacks. |