Fraud and blackmail
20Blackmail.
1
A person is guilty of blackmail if, with a view to gain for himself or another or with intent to cause loss to another, he makes any unwarranted demand with menaces; and, for this purpose, a demand with menaces is unwarranted unless the person making it does so in the belief—
a
that he has reasonable grounds for making the demand; and
b
that the use of the menaces is a proper means of reinforcing the demand.
2
The nature of the act or omission demanded is immaterial, and it is also immaterial whether the menaces relate to action to be taken by the person making the demand.
3
A person guilty of blackmail shall, on conviction on indictment, be liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding fourteen years.