Part 1Sexual Offences

Assault

3Sexual assault

1

A person (A) commits an offence if—

a

he intentionally touches another person (B),

b

the touching is sexual,

c

B does not consent to the touching, and

d

A does not reasonably believe that B consents.

2

Whether a belief is reasonable is to be determined having regard to all the circumstances, including any steps A has taken to ascertain whether B consents.

3

Sections 75 and 76 apply to an offence under this section.

4

A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable—

a

on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum or both;

b

on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years.