Is Criminal Damage Summary Only

S. 22 MCA 1980 does not make criminal damage a summary only offence despite its requirement for the triable either way offence to be tried summarily based on value.

What counts as criminal damage?

The definition of Criminal Damage: The Criminal Damage Act 1971 classifies criminal damage as: ‘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.

How do you prove criminal damage?

1. Damage (temporary or permanent) was caused.
2. That damage occurred to property.
3. The damaged property belonged to another.
4. The damage was caused without lawful excuse.