Destroying a passport is a criminal offence?

[IneedAniffler]

Asking on behalf of a vulnerable family member
They have become entangled in an abusive relationship, and their now ex-partner has burned their passport (and admitted to it in writing)

I'm googling away, but is there something online I can access that confirms this and what the penalty is? The rest of us are tearing our hair out, there's a 2 month baby involved, it's a mess.

There doesn’t seem to be a set penalty. Submit a crime report to police online.

from the

www.gov.uk/government/publications/damaged-and-faulty-passports/damaged-british-passports-accessible

No specific legislation for a passport, it comes under criminal damage the same as any other property

• The Criminal Damage Act 1971 defines criminal damage as destroying or damaging property belonging to another without lawful excuse.
• Intent:
• If the destruction or damage is intentional or reckless, it can be considered a criminal offense.
• Lawful Excuse:
• There are exceptions, such as if the destruction was accidental or if there was a reasonable cause, such as a damaged passport that needs to be replaced.
• Consequences:
• Penalties for criminal damage can include imprisonment and/or fines.
• Specific to Passports:
• Destroying or damaging a passport can also be an offense under other legislation, especially if it's done to conceal identity or evade authorities. For example, failing to produce a nationality document when requested by authorities can be an offense if the reason for not producing the document is due to its destruction or disposal.

Damaged Passports: If a passport is damaged, it's generally recommended to report it and obtain a replacement rather than destroy it. If the passport needs to be destroyed, it should be done securely and in accordance with official guidelines

ah brilliant, thank you for the links and text.

@IneedAniffler These also may be of use.

This is useful and relates to criminal damage.

This is the actual legislation

Look at #1 ; Destroying or damaging property.

and #4: Punishment of offences.

(1)A person who without lawful excuse destroys or damages any property belonging to another intending to destroy or damage any such property or being reckless as to whether any such property would be destroyed or damaged shall be guilty of an offence.

(2)A person guilty of any other offence under this Act shall on conviction on indictment be liable to imprisonment for a term not exceeding ten years.

that's exactly what I think I was looking for, have forwarded to his guardian... thank you

Yes I believe it's a criminal offence and if they have confessed to it on paper (via message of whatever you have) then it should go to the police and it sounds like social services should help if there's a baby

I'd wonder if it would be classed as coercive control, which is a crime

https://welshwomensaid.org.uk/information-support/what-is-coercive-control/

I thought that too! They are in Wales But he's male and she is female. Already has 3 kids and he's currently paying for them too as their dad isn't paying maintenance

Name change fail

It doesn't matter who is male/female, i'd definitely be reporting it as domestic abuse and making sure its taken seriously. Hope you can get it sorted

mensadviceline.org.uk/male-victims/what-is-domestic-abuse/coercive-control/

Agreed, thank you for the link