Queensland Consolidated Acts

CRIMINAL CODE 1899 - SECT 238

238 Contamination of goods

(1) A person who contaminates or interferes with goods, or makes it appear that goods have been contaminated or interfered with, commits a misdemeanour.

Penalty—

Maximum penalty—3 years imprisonment.

(2) If the person commits the offence with intent to cause—

(a) public alarm or anxiety; or

(b) members of the public who are aware of the contamination or interference or apparent contamination or interference to refrain from purchasing those goods or goods of that or any similar class; or

(c) any person to suffer economic loss through taking steps to avoid public alarm or anxiety; or

(d) members of the public to refrain from purchasing those goods or goods of that or any similar class;

the person commits a crime.

Penalty—

Maximum penalty—10 years imprisonment.

(3) A person who, with any intent mentioned in subsection (2) , threatens that he or she or any other person will contaminate or interfere with goods or make it appear that goods have been contaminated or interfered with, commits a crime.

Penalty—

Maximum penalty—7 years imprisonment.

(4) If the threat is accompanied by the making of a demand, the person commits a crime.

Penalty—

Maximum penalty—14 years imprisonment.