Violent disorder

[gentle music] Welcome back to English and Welsh Police Law Explained, the podcast where we break down criminal legislation into clear, simple explanations using real life examples.

I'm your host, Steven, and this week we're looking at offenses of rioting and violent disorder under the Public Order Act of 1986.

In this episode, we'll look at exactly what constitutes rioting and violent disorder, the number of people required for each offense, what is meant by using or threatening unlawful violence, and the key differences between the two offenses.

Let's get into it.

[siren blaring] Violent disorder.

Section 2(1) of the Public Order Act 1986 sets out the main elements of the offense of violent disorder.

This offense requires three or more people to be present together with those people using or threatening unlawful violence.

Their conduct must be considered taken together, and it must be such that it would cause a person of reasonable firmness present at the scene to fear for their personal safety.