Queensland Consolidated Acts

CRIMINAL CODE 1899 - SECT 354A

354A Kidnapping for ransom

(1) Any person who—

(a) with intent to extort or gain anything from or procure anything to be done or omitted to be done by any person by a demand containing threats of detriment of any kind to be caused to any person, either by the offender or any other person, if the demand is not complied with, takes or entices away, or detains, the person in respect of whom the threats are made; or

(b) receives or harbours the said person in respect of whom the threats are made, knowing such person to have been so taken or enticed away, or detained;

is guilty of a crime which is called
"kidnapping for ransom" .

(2) Any person who commits the crime of kidnapping for ransom is liable to imprisonment for 14 years.

(3) If the person kidnapped has been unconditionally set at liberty without such person having suffered any grievous bodily harm, the offender is liable to imprisonment for 10 years.

(4) Any person who attempts to commit the crime of kidnapping for ransom is guilty of a crime and is liable to imprisonment for 7 years.

(5) The Penalties and Sentences Act 1992 , section 161Q states a circumstance of aggravation for an offence against this section.

(6) An indictment charging an offence against this section with the circumstance of aggravation stated in the Penalties and Sentences Act 1992 , section 161Q may not be presented without the consent of a Crown Law Officer.