ARSON Flashcards
What 3 things can circumstantial evidence of an offenders intent be inferred from?
Admissions Circumstances Nature of the act itself
Define R v HARNEY in respect of recklessness
Recklessness involves foresight of dangerous consequences that could well happen together with an intention to continue the course of action regardless of the risk
Define and explain R v ARCHER in respect of property damage
“Property may be damaged if it suffers permanent or temporary physical harm or permanent or temporary impairment of its use or value” In general terms any change in an object that impairs its value or usefulness may constitute damage.
What is the definition of fire
Fire is the process of combustion a chemical reaction between fuel and oxygen triggered by heat.
What is the definition of explosive
Any substance or mixture or combination of substances which in its normal state are capable of decomposition at such a rapid rate as to result in an explosion or producing a pyrotechnic effect.
Does not include any firearm and any firework as defined in s.2 of the hazardous substances and new organisms act 1996
In respect of “without claim of right” What are the four elements of belief in respect of Arson to Immovable property in which offender has no interest
Belief in an element of ownership or right to take or retain possession of the property. Can be another persons legal right to the property. Secondly the belief must be in relation to the property of which the offence is committed. Thirdly the belief must be held at the time of the offence. The belief must actually be held by the accused. Does not need to be reasonable but credible.
Explain Immovable property
Relates to buildings and land and things growing on land such as forrests. Property that is currently fixed in place and unable to be moved even though it may be possible to make it moveable.
When can a tennant be charged with Arson and when can’t they
267(1)(a) Intentionally or recklessly, damages by fire/explosives any property where they knew danger to life was likely to ensue. 267(1)(c) Intentionally damages by fire/explosive any Immovable property, vehicle, ship, aircraft where they have caused loss to another person. But not in 267(1)(b) Intentionally OR Recklessly and w/o claim of right Damages by fire/explosive any Immovable property, ship, aircraft to which they have no interest in (because court of appeal has ruled being a tenant means you have an interest in a property)
who can be a person re 267(1)(c) and causing loss to any person
The crown, public body, local authority or board or any society or company.
Explain recklessness is respect or proving Arson and Attempted Arson (268) (10 years)
Acting with intent or being recklessness is sufficient for Arson but recklessness is not sufficient to prove a charge of attempted arson. The crown must prove the accused intended to commit the full offence.
To be guilty of attempted arson (268) what must be proved
Intended to commit the full offence. Took a real and substantial step towards committing the full offence. The act must be sufficiently proximate to the offence but they do not need to have taken all of the necessary steps.
Legally you are allowed to set fire to your own property what are the exceptions to the rule?
Where there is an intent to cause loss to another person. In circumstances where danger to life was likely to ensue. In circumstances likely to destroy or damage another’s property.
What are the four matters the Specialist fire investigator will liase with the investigating officer for:
Handover of the fire scene Access to the fire scene The process for examination and investigation Identification and collection of evidence at the scene
What are the ingredients of Attempted Arson
268(1) 10 years Everyone is liable for imprisonment not exceeding 10 years who attempts to commit arson in respect of any Immovable property, vehicle, ship or aircraft.
What are the ingredients of Intentional damage
269 (1) 10 years Intentionally or recklessly, destroys or damages any property, if he or she knows or ought to know that danger to life was likely to result 269(2)(a) 7 years Int. or Reck. & w/o C of R Destroys/damages any property in which that person has no interest. 2692)(b) 7 years Int. or Reck. & w/o C of R Destroys/damages any property with intent to obtain a benefit/cause loss to any person. 269(3) 7 years Intentionally destroys or damages any property with reckless disregard for the safety of any other property
Ingredients of Providing explosives to commit an offence
272 2 years knowingly has in their possession OR makes any explosive substance or any dangerous engine/instrument/thing with intent to use or enable another to use the substance, dangerous engine, thin or instrument to commit an offence
In respect of s.272 (Providing explosives to commit an offence) what must be proved (R v Hallam)
that the accused knowingly had the substance in their possession AND knew it to be an explosive substance
Rv HALLA
On a charge of knowingly having possesion of an explosive substance, it must be proved that the offender knowingly had the substance in his possesion and also that he knew it to be an explosive substance.
Does the accused need to know who the recipient of the device is or what the intended offence is?
There is no need for the defendant to be aware either of the identity of the person who will ultimatly use the explosive or device, or of the precise nature of the offence to be committed.
In determining the seat of fire list some of the matters the specialist fire investigator should consider?
Witness reports
when they first noticed the fire and where they were at the time
The state of the fire at that time
wind direction and speed, and weather
the direction of the spread
the colour of the flames and the smoke
severity of the damage
depth of charring
the presence of starting devices
reports and opinions from other specialists
List 5 examples where carelessness may cause a fire?
misusing electricity
children playing woith matches, lighters and so on
burning off paint
vagrants lighting fires
welding and other industrial processes
leaving clothes near heating
wrapping up live ashes in paper
ironing
setting off fireworks
using or storing flammable materials
burning rubbish
using domestic or camp fires
leaving a stove or heater on
leaving fat unattended whille cooking
smoking
List the police responsibilities at a fire scene examination and investigation?
Conduct the criminal investigation or coronial enquiry
Undertake responsibility for the protection, collection, and recording of forensic evidence,
The collection and removal of material from a fire crime scene will only be done by Police orother agencies with the authority to remove evidence.
The preservation, analysis, and subsequent disposition of any such material is the responsibility of Police or other agency.
What must you prove under the offence of Attempted Arson s.288
The identitiy of the defendants and that they:
attempted to cpmmit arson, And;
the attempted arson was in respect to any Immovable property , vehicle, ship or aircraft
(you must prove intent, whereas arson may be a reckless act done with intent to burn or damage for attempted arson recklessness does not suffice)
What must you prove in respect of the offence of Interferring with a fire alarm s.88 Fire Service Act 1975?
The identitiy of the defendants and that they;
unlawfully interferred with any fire alarm, OR
Knowlingly covered up, enclosed or concealed any hydrant so as to make its posiiton difficult to ascertain. OR
Knowingly obliteratred or removed any mark, sign or letter used to indicate the position of, or to distinguish any hydrant, OR
With intent to decieve, impersonated a member of the fire servie or volunteer fire brigade or defence fire brgade or industrical fire brigade.
(as the offences are fine only there is no pwer of arrest)