Public Order offences range from allegations such as being drunk and disorderly through to the most serious type of offences that include violent disorder and rioting. In general, these offences are aimed at the use of violence and/or intimidation either by an individual or a group and involve the use of threatening, abusive or insulting words and/or behaviour.

The type and seriousness of the allegation charged will determine the level of sentencing powers available to the Courts and could range from a financial penalty through to a custodial sentence.

With less serious public order offences it may be possible to obtain an alternative disposal which does not amount to a criminal conviction i.e. agreeing to be bound over to keep the peace.