A 36-year-old man was due to appear in court on Friday in southwest England in what is thought to be the first prosecution for an alleged anthrax hoax since the September 11 attacks on the US.
the man, form Bath, was charged with assault causing actual bodily harm because of the fear of injury suffered by the recipient, police said.
He was arrested on Thursday after a package containing a harmless white powder was sent to a fast food outlet in the city.
He was to appear before city magistrates later on Friday.
Britain has been on heightened alert following a string of anthrax cases in the United States, amid fears of a possible germ warfare attack.
Police and government ministers here have warned they will crack down hard on hoaxers, who could face a maximum seven years in prison under planned legislation -- England, (AFP)
