// However, to answer the actual question here, "causing offence" isn't a crime, //
I think you are looking at the wrong act Chris
alarm and distress is covered by the Public Order Act
and
the charging standard just happens to be here
http://www.cps.gov.uk/legal/p_to_r/public_order_offences/
[ I only have half hearted interest in this pressing AB q of
why is Quran burning a criminal offence and burning of my fave teddy bear isnt but burning the sweet little puppy next door - live puppy that is - is!) - and other tear jerkers that soft hearted ABers like Vulcan spend their time thinking up]