(1) A person commits the offence of blackmail if, with a view to gain for himself or herself or another person or with intent to cause loss to another person, he or she 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 or she 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 that the menaces relate to action to be taken by the person making the demand.
(3) A person who commits the offence of blackmail is liable on conviction on indictment to imprisonment for 14 years.