(1)If a person (“A”), with A’s penis—
(a)without another person (“B”) consenting, and
(b)without any reasonable belief that B consents,
penetrates to any extent, either intending to do so or reckless as to whether there is penetration, the vagina, anus or mouth of B then A commits an offence, to be known as the offence of rape.
(2)For the purposes of this section, penetration is a continuing act from entry until withdrawal of the penis; but this subsection is subject to subsection (3).
(3)In a case where penetration is initially consented to but at some point of time the consent is withdrawn, subsection (2) is to be construed as if the reference in it to a continuing act from entry were a reference to a continuing act from that point of time.
(4)In this Act—
“penis” includes a surgically constructed penis if it forms part of A, having been created in the course of surgical treatment, and
“vagina” includes—
the vulva, and
a surgically constructed vagina (together with any surgically constructed vulva), if it forms part of B, having been created in the course of such treatment.
(1)If a person (“A”), with any part of A’s body or anything else—
(a)without another person (“B”) consenting, and
(b)without any reasonable belief that B consents,
penetrates sexually to any extent, either intending to do so or reckless as to whether there is penetration, the vagina or anus of B then A commits an offence, to be known as the offence of sexual assault by penetration.
(2)For the purposes of this section, penetration is a continuing act from entry to withdrawal of whatever is intruded; but this subsection is subject to subsection (3).
(3)In a case where penetration is initially consented to but at some point of time the consent is withdrawn, subsection (2) is to be construed as if the reference in it to a continuing act from entry were a reference to a continuing act from that point of time.
(4)Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), the reference in that subsection to penetration with any part of A’s body is to be construed as including a reference to penetration with A’s penis.
(1)If a person (“A”)—
(a)without another person (“B”) consenting, and
(b)without any reasonable belief that B consents,
does any of the things mentioned in subsection (2), then A commits an offence, to be known as the offence of sexual assault.
(2)Those things are, that A—
(a)penetrates sexually, by any means and to any extent, either intending to do so or reckless as to whether there is penetration, the vagina, anus or mouth of B,
(b)intentionally or recklessly touches B sexually,
(c)engages in any other form of sexual activity in which A, intentionally or recklessly, has physical contact (whether bodily contact or contact by means of an implement and whether or not through clothing) with B,
(d)intentionally or recklessly ejaculates semen onto B,
(e)intentionally or recklessly emits urine or saliva onto B sexually.
(3)For the purposes of paragraph (a) of subsection (2), penetration is a continuing act from entry until withdrawal of whatever is intruded; but this subsection is subject to subsection (4).
(4)In a case where penetration is initially consented to but at some point of time the consent is withdrawn, subsection (3) is to be construed as if the reference in it to a continuing act from entry were a reference to a continuing act from that point of time.
(5)Without prejudice to the generality of paragraph (a) of subsection (2), the reference in the paragraph to penetration by any means is to be construed as including a reference to penetration with A’s penis.
If a person (“A”)—
(a)without another person (“B”) consenting to participate in a sexual activity, and
(b)without any reasonable belief that B consents to participating in that activity,
intentionally causes B to participate in that activity, then A commits an offence, to be known as the offence of sexual coercion.
(1)If a person (“A”)—
(a)without another person (“B”) consenting, and
(b)without any reasonable belief that B consents,
either intentionally engages in a sexual activity and for a purpose mentioned in subsection (2) does so in the presence of B or intentionally and for a purpose mentioned in that subsection causes B to be present while a third person engages in such an activity, then A commits an offence, to be known as the offence of coercing a person into being present during a sexual activity.
(2)The purposes are—
(a)obtaining sexual gratification,
(b)humiliating, distressing or alarming B.
(3)Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), the reference in that subsection—
(a)to A engaging in a sexual activity in the presence of B, includes a reference to A engaging in it in a place in which A can be observed by B other than by B looking at an image, and
(b)to B being present while a third person engages in such an activity, includes a reference to B being in a place from which the third person can be so observed by B.
(1)If a person (“A”) intentionally and for a purpose mentioned in subsection (2) causes another person (“B”)—
(a)without B consenting, and
(b)without any reasonable belief that B consents,
to look at a sexual image, then A commits an offence, to be known as the offence of coercing a person into looking at a sexual image.
(2)The purposes are—
(a)obtaining sexual gratification,
(b)humiliating, distressing or alarming B.
(3)For the purposes of subsection (1), a sexual image is an image (produced by whatever means and whether or not a moving image) of—
(a)A engaging in a sexual activity or of a third person or imaginary person so engaging,
(b)A’s genitals or the genitals of a third person or imaginary person.
(1)If a person (“A”), intentionally and for a purpose mentioned in subsection (3), sends, by whatever means, a sexual written communication to or directs, by whatever means, a sexual verbal communication at, another person (“B”)—
(a)without B consenting to its being so sent or directed, and
(b)without any reasonable belief that B consents to its being so sent or directed,
then A commits an offence, to be known as the offence of communicating indecently.
(2)If, in circumstances other than are as mentioned in subsection (1), a person (“A”), intentionally and for a purpose mentioned in subsection (3), causes another person (“B”) to see or hear, by whatever means, a sexual written communication or sexual verbal communication—
(a)without B consenting to seeing or as the case may be hearing it, and
(b)without any reasonable belief that B consents to seeing or as the case may be hearing it,
then A commits an offence, to be known as the offence of causing a person to see or hear an indecent communication.
(3)The purposes are—
(a)obtaining sexual gratification,
(b)humiliating, distressing or alarming B.
(4)In this section—
“written communication” means a communication in whatever written form, and without prejudice to that generality includes a communication which comprises writings of a person other than A (as for example a passage in a book or magazine), and
“verbal communication” means a communication in whatever verbal form, and without prejudice to that generality includes—
a communication which comprises sounds of sexual activity (whether actual or simulated), and
a communication by means of sign language.
(1)If a person (“A”)—
(a)without another person (“B”) consenting, and
(b)without any reasonable belief that B consents,
intentionally and for a purpose mentioned in subsection (2), exposes A’s genitals in a sexual manner to B with the intention that B will see them, then A commits an offence, to be known as the offence of sexual exposure.
(2)The purposes are—
(a)obtaining sexual gratification,
(b)humiliating, distressing or alarming B.
(1)A person (“A”) commits an offence, to be known as the offence of voyeurism, if A does any of the things mentioned in subsections (2) to (5).
(2)The first thing is that A—
(a)without another person (“B”) consenting, and
(b)without any reasonable belief that B consents,
for a purpose mentioned in subsection (6) observes B doing a private act.
(3)The second thing is that A—
(a)without another person (“B”) consenting, and
(b)without any reasonable belief that B consents,
operates equipment with the intention of enabling A or another person (“C”), for a purpose mentioned in subsection (7), to observe B doing a private act.
(4)The third thing is that A—
(a)without another person (“B”) consenting, and
(b)without any reasonable belief that B consents,
records B doing a private act with the intention that A or another person (“C”), for a purpose mentioned in subsection (7), will look at an image of B doing the act.
(5)The fourth thing is that A—
(a)installs equipment, or
(b)constructs or adapts a structure or part of a structure with the intention of enabling A or another person to do an act referred to in subsection (2), (3) or (4).
(6)The purposes referred to in subsection (2) are—
(a)obtaining sexual gratification,
(b)humiliating, distressing or alarming B.
(7)The purposes referred to in subsections (3) and (4) are—
(a)obtaining sexual gratification (whether for A or C),
(b)humiliating, distressing or alarming B.
(1)For the purposes of section 9, a person is doing a private act if the person is in a place which in the circumstances would reasonably be expected to provide privacy, and—
(a)the person’s genitals, buttocks or breasts are exposed or covered only with underwear,
(b)the person is using a lavatory, or
(c)the person is doing a sexual act that is not of a kind ordinarily done in public.
(2)For the purposes of section 9(3), operating equipment includes enabling or securing its activation by another person without that person’s knowledge.
(3)In section 9(5), “structure” includes a tent, vehicle or vessel or other temporary or movable structure.
(1)If a person (“A”) intentionally administers a substance to, or causes a substance to be taken by, another person (“B”)—
(a)without B knowing, and
(b)without any reasonable belief that B knows,
and does so for the purpose of stupefying or overpowering B, so as to enable any person to engage in a sexual activity which involves B, then A commits an offence, to be known as the offence of administering a substance for sexual purposes.
(2)For the purposes of subsection (1), if A, whether by act or omission, induces in B a reasonable belief that the substance administered or taken is (either or both)—
(a)of a substantially lesser strength, or
(b)in a substantially lesser quantity,
than it is, any knowledge which B has (or belief as to knowledge which B has) that it is being administered or taken is to be disregarded.
In Parts 1 and 3, “consent” means free agreement (and related expressions are to be construed accordingly).
(1)For the purposes of section 12, but without prejudice to the generality of that section, free agreement to conduct is absent in the circumstances set out in subsection (2).
(2)Those circumstances are—
(a)where the conduct occurs at a time when B is incapable because of the effect of alcohol or any other substance of consenting to it,
(b)where B agrees or submits to the conduct because of violence used against B or any other person, or because of threats of violence made against B or any other person,
(c)where B agrees or submits to the conduct because B is unlawfully detained by A,
(d)where B agrees or submits to the conduct because B is mistaken, as a result of deception by A, as to the nature or purpose of the conduct,
(e)where B agrees or submits to the conduct because A induces B to agree or submit to the conduct by impersonating a person known personally to B, or
(f)where the only expression or indication of agreement to the conduct is from a person other than B.
(3)References in this section to A and to B are to be construed in accordance with sections 1 to 9.
(1)This section applies in relation to sections 1 to 9.
(2)A person is incapable, while asleep or unconscious, of consenting to any conduct.
(1)This section applies in relation to sections 1 to 9.
(2)Consent to conduct does not of itself imply consent to any other conduct.
(3)Consent to conduct may be withdrawn at any time before, or in the case of continuing conduct, during, the conduct.
(4)If the conduct takes place, or continues to take place, after consent has been withdrawn, it takes place, or continues to take place, without consent.
In determining, for the purposes of Part 1, whether a person’s belief as to consent or knowledge was reasonable, regard is to be had to whether the person took any steps to ascertain whether there was consent or, as the case may be, knowledge; and if so, to what those steps were.
(1)This section applies in relation to sections 1 to 9.
(2)A mentally disordered person is incapable of consenting to conduct where, by reason of mental disorder, the person is unable to do one or more of the following—
(a)understand what the conduct is,
(b)form a decision as to whether to engage in the conduct (or as to whether the conduct should take place),
(c)communicate any such decision.
(3)In this Act, “mental disorder” has the same meaning as in section 328 of the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 (asp 13) (and related expressions are to be construed accordingly).
If a person (“A”), with A’s penis, penetrates to any extent, either intending to do so or reckless as to whether there is penetration, the vagina, anus or mouth of a child (“B”) who has not attained the age of 13 years, then A commits an offence, to be known as the offence of rape of a young child.
(1)If a person (“A”), with any part of A’s body or anything else, penetrates sexually to any extent, either intending to do so or reckless as to whether there is penetration, the vagina or anus of a child (“B”) who has not attained the age of 13 years, then A commits an offence, to be known as the offence of sexual assault on a young child by penetration.
(2)Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), the reference in that subsection to penetration with any part of A’s body is to be construed as including a reference to penetration with A’s penis.
(1)If a person (“A”) does any of the things mentioned in subsection (2) (“B” being in each case a child who has not attained the age of 13 years), then A commits an offence, to be known as the offence of sexual assault on a young child.
(2)Those things are, that A—
(a)penetrates sexually, by any means and to any extent, either intending to do so or reckless as to whether there is penetration, the vagina, anus or mouth of B,
(b)intentionally or recklessly touches B sexually,
(c)engages in any other form of sexual activity in which A, intentionally or recklessly, has physical contact (whether bodily contact or contact by means of an implement and whether or not through clothing) with B,
(d)intentionally or recklessly ejaculates semen onto B,
(e)intentionally or recklessly emits urine or saliva onto B sexually.
(3)Without prejudice to the generality of paragraph (a) of subsection (2), the reference in the paragraph to penetration by any means is to be construed as including a reference to penetration with A’s penis.
If a person (“A”) intentionally causes a child (“B”) who has not attained the age of 13 years to participate in a sexual activity, then A commits an offence, to be known as the offence of causing a young child to participate in a sexual activity.
(1)If a person (“A”) either—
(a)intentionally engages in a sexual activity and for a purpose mentioned in subsection (2) does so in the presence of a child (“B”) who has not attained the age of 13 years, or
(b)intentionally and for a purpose mentioned in subsection (2) causes B to be present while a third person engages in such an activity,
then A commits an offence, to be known as the offence of causing a young child to be present during a sexual activity.
(2)The purposes are—
(a)obtaining sexual gratification,
(b)humiliating, distressing or alarming B.
(3)Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), the reference—
(a)in paragraph (a) of that subsection to A engaging in a sexual activity in the presence of B, includes a reference to A engaging in it in a place in which A can be observed by B other than by B looking at an image, and
(b)in paragraph (b) of that subsection to B being present while a third person engages in such an activity, includes a reference to B being in a place from which the third person can be so observed by B.
(1)If a person (“A”) intentionally and for a purpose mentioned in subsection (2) causes a child (“B”) who has not attained the age of 13 years to look at a sexual image, then A commits an offence, to be known as the offence of causing a young child to look at a sexual image.
(2)The purposes are—
(a)obtaining sexual gratification,
(b)humiliating, distressing or alarming B.
(3)For the purposes of subsection (1), a sexual image is an image (produced by whatever means and whether or not a moving image) of—
(a)A engaging in a sexual activity or of a third person or imaginary person so engaging,
(b)A’s genitals or the genitals of a third person or imaginary person.
(1)If a person (“A”), intentionally and for a purpose mentioned in subsection (3)—
(a)sends, by whatever means, a sexual written communication to, or
(b)directs, by whatever means, a sexual verbal communication at,
a child (“B”) who has not attained the age of 13 years, then A commits an offence, to be known as the offence of communicating indecently with a young child.
(2)If, in circumstances other than are as mentioned in subsection (1), a person (“A”), intentionally and for a purpose mentioned in subsection (3) causes a child (“B”) who has not attained the age of 13 years to see or hear, by whatever means, a sexual written communication or sexual verbal communication, then A commits an offence, to be known as the offence of causing a young child to see or hear an indecent communication.
(3)The purposes are—
(a)obtaining sexual gratification,
(b)humiliating, distressing or alarming B.
(4)In this section—
“written communication” means a communication in whatever written form, and without prejudice to that generality includes a communication which comprises writings of a person other than A (as for example a passage in a book or magazine), and
“verbal communication” means a communication in whatever verbal form, and without prejudice to that generality includes—
a communication which comprises sounds of sexual activity (whether actual or simulated), and
a communication by means of sign language.
(1)If a person (“A”) intentionally and for a purpose mentioned in subsection (2) exposes A’s genitals in a sexual manner to a child (“B”) who has not attained the age of 13 years, with the intention that B will see them, then A commits an offence, to be known as the offence of sexual exposure to a young child.
(2)The purposes are—
(a)obtaining sexual gratification,
(b)humiliating, distressing or alarming B.
(1)If a person (“A”) does any of the things mentioned in subsections (2) to (5) in relation to a child (“B”) who has not attained the age of 13 years, then A commits an offence, to be known as the offence of voyeurism towards a young child.
(2)The first thing is that A, for a purpose mentioned in subsection (6), observes B doing a private act.
(3)The second thing is that A operates equipment with the intention of enabling A or another person (“C”), for a purpose mentioned in subsection (7), to observe B doing a private act.
(4)The third thing is that A records B doing a private act with the intention that A or another person (“C”), for a purpose mentioned in subsection (7), will look at an image of B doing the act.
(5)The fourth thing is that A—
(a)installs equipment, or
(b)constructs or adapts a structure or part of a structure with the intention of enabling A or another person to do an act referred to in subsection (2), (3) or (4).
(6)The purposes referred to in subsection (2) are—
(a)obtaining sexual gratification,
(b)humiliating, distressing or alarming B.
(7)The purposes referred to in subsections (3) and (4) are—
(a)obtaining sexual gratification (whether for A or C),
(b)humiliating, distressing or alarming B.
(8)Section 10 applies for the purposes of this section as it applies for the purposes of section 9 (the references in that section to section 9(3) and (5) being construed as references to subsections (3) and (5) of this section).
It is not a defence to a charge in proceedings under any of sections 18 to 26 that A believed that B had attained the age of 13 years.
If a person (“A”), who has attained the age of 16 years, with A’s penis, penetrates to any extent, either intending to do so or reckless as to whether there is penetration, the vagina, anus or mouth of a child (“B”), who—
(a)has attained the age of 13 years, but
(b)has not attained the age of 16 years,
then A commits an offence, to be known as the offence of having intercourse with an older child.
(1)If a person (“A”), who has attained the age of 16 years, with any part of A’s body or anything else penetrates sexually to any extent, either intending to do so or reckless as to whether there is penetration, the vagina or anus of a child (“B”) who—
(a)has attained the age of 13 years, but
(b)has not attained the age of 16 years,
then A commits an offence, to be known as the offence of engaging in penetrative sexual activity with or towards an older child.
(2)Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), the reference in that paragraph to penetration with any part of A’s body is to be construed as including a reference to penetration with A’s penis.
(1)If a person (“A”), who has attained the age of 16 years, does any of the things mentioned in subsection (2), “B” being in each case a child who—
(a)has attained the age of 13 years, but
(b)has not attained the age of 16 years,
then A commits an offence, to be known as the offence of engaging in sexual activity with or towards an older child.
(2)Those things are, that A—
(a)penetrates sexually, by any means and to any extent, either intending to do so or reckless as to whether there is penetration, the vagina, anus or mouth of B,
(b)intentionally or recklessly touches B sexually,
(c)engages in any other form of sexual activity in which A, intentionally or recklessly, has physical contact (whether bodily contact or contact by means of an implement and whether or not through clothing) with B,
(d)intentionally or recklessly ejaculates semen onto B,
(e)intentionally or recklessly emits urine or saliva onto B sexually.
(3)Without prejudice to the generality of paragraph (a) of subsection (2), the reference in the paragraph to penetration by any means is to be construed as including a reference to penetration with A’s penis.
If a person (“A”), who has attained the age of 16 years, intentionally causes a child (“B”), who—
(a)has attained the age of 13 years, but
(b)has not attained the age of 16 years,
to participate in a sexual activity, then A commits an offence, to be known as the offence of causing an older child to participate in a sexual activity.
(1)If a person (“A”), who has attained the age of 16 years either—
(a)intentionally engages in a sexual activity and for a purpose mentioned in subsection (2) does so in the presence of a child (“B”), who—
(i)has attained the age of 13 years, but
(ii)has not attained the age of 16 years, or
(b)intentionally, and for a purpose mentioned in subsection (2) causes B to be present while a third person engages in such an activity,
then A commits an offence, to be known as the offence of causing an older child to be present during a sexual activity.
(2)The purposes are—
(a)obtaining sexual gratification,
(b)humiliating, distressing or alarming B.
(3)Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), the reference—
(a)in paragraph (a) of that subsection to A engaging in a sexual activity in the presence of B, includes a reference to A engaging in it in a place in which A can be observed by B other than by B looking at an image, and
(b)in paragraph (b) of that subsection to B being present while a third person engages in such an activity, includes a reference to B being in a place from which the third person can be so observed by B.
(1)If a person (“A”), who has attained the age of 16 years, intentionally and for a purpose mentioned in subsection (2) causes a child (“B”), who—
(a)has attained the age of 13 years, but
(b)has not attained the age of 16 years,
to look at a sexual image, then A commits an offence, to be known as the offence of causing an older child to look at a sexual image.
(2)The purposes are—
(a)obtaining sexual gratification,
(b)humiliating, distressing or alarming B.
(3)For the purposes of subsection (1), a sexual image is an image (produced by whatever means and whether or not a moving image) of—
(a)A engaging in a sexual activity or of a third person or imaginary person so engaging,
(b)A’s genitals or the genitals of a third person or imaginary person.
(1)If a person (“A”), who has attained the age of 16 years, intentionally and for a purpose mentioned in subsection (3), sends, by whatever means, a sexual written communication to or directs, by whatever means, a sexual verbal communication at, a child (“B”) who—
(a)has attained the age of 13 years, but
(b)has not attained the age of 16 years,
then A commits an offence, to be known as the offence of communicating indecently with an older child.
(2)If, in circumstances other than are as mentioned in subsection (1), a person (“A”), who has attained the age of 16 years, intentionally and for a purpose mentioned in subsection (3), causes another person (“B”) who is a child described in paragraphs (a) and (b) of subsection (1) to see or hear, by whatever means, a sexual written communication or sexual verbal communication, then A commits an offence, to be known as the offence of causing an older child to see or hear an indecent communication.
(3)The purposes are—
(a)obtaining sexual gratification,
(b)humiliating, distressing or alarming B.
(4)In this section—
“written communication” means a communication in whatever written form, and without prejudice to that generality includes a communication which comprises writings of a person other than A (as for example a passage in a book or magazine), and
“verbal communication” means a communication in whatever verbal form, and without prejudice to that generality includes—
a communication which comprises sounds of sexual activity (whether actual or simulated), and
a communication by means of sign language.
(1)If a person (“A”), who has attained the age of 16 years, intentionally and for a purpose mentioned in subsection (2) exposes A’s genitals in a sexual manner to a child (“B”) who—
(a)has attained the age of 13 years, but
(b)has not attained the age of 16 years,
with the intention that B will see them, then A commits an offence, to be known as the offence of sexual exposure to an older child.
(2)The purposes are—
(a)obtaining sexual gratification,
(b)humiliating, distressing or alarming B.
(1)If a person (“A”), who has attained the age of 16 years, does any of the things mentioned in subsections (2) to (5) in relation to a child (“B”) who—
(a)has attained the age of 13 years, but
(b)has not attained the age of 16 years,
then A commits an offence, to be known as the offence of voyeurism towards an older child.
(2)The first thing is that A, for a purpose mentioned in subsection (6), observes B doing a private act.
(3)The second thing is that A operates equipment with the intention of enabling A or another person (“C”), for a purpose mentioned in subsection (7), to observe B doing a private act.
(4)The third thing is that A records B doing a private act with the intention that A or another person (“C”), for a purpose mentioned in subsection (7), will look at an image of B doing the act.
(5)The fourth thing is that A—
(a)installs equipment, or
(b)constructs or adapts a structure or part of a structure with the intention of enabling A or another person to do an act referred to in subsection (2), (3) or (4).
(6)The purposes referred to in subsection (2) are—
(a)obtaining sexual gratification,
(b)humiliating, distressing or alarming B.
(7)The purposes referred to in subsections (3) and (4) are—
(a)obtaining sexual gratification (whether for A or C),
(b)humiliating, distressing or alarming B.
(8)Section 10 applies for the purposes of this section as it applies for the purposes of section 9 (the references in that section to section 9(3) and (5) being construed as references to subsections (3) and (5) of this section).
(1)If a child (“A”), being a child mentioned in subsection (2), does any of the things mentioned in subsection (3), “B” being in each case a child mentioned in subsection (2), then A commits an offence, to be known as the offence of engaging while an older child in sexual conduct with or towards another older child.
(2)The child is a child who—
(a)has attained the age of 13 years, but
(b)has not attained the age of 16 years.
(3)The things are that A—
(a)penetrates sexually, with A’s penis and to any extent, either intending to do so or reckless as to whether there is penetration, the vagina, anus or mouth of B,
(b)intentionally or recklessly touches the vagina, anus or penis of B sexually with A’s mouth.
(4)In the circumstances specified in subsection (1), if B engages by consent in the conduct in question, then B commits an offence, to be known as the offence of engaging while an older child in consensual sexual conduct with another older child.
(5)In paragraph (b) of subsection (3), the reference to A’s mouth is to be construed as including a reference to A’s tongue or teeth.
(1)This section applies for the purposes of section 37.
(2)Penetration is a continuing act from entry until withdrawal of whatever is intruded.
(3)“Consent” means free agreement (and related expressions are to be construed accordingly).
(4)Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (3), free agreement to conduct is absent in the circumstances set out in section 13(2) (references in that section to A and B being construed in accordance with section 37).
(5)A person is incapable, while asleep or unconscious, of consenting to any conduct.
(6)Consent to conduct does not of itself imply consent to any other conduct.
(7)Consent to conduct may be withdrawn at any time before, or in the case of continuing conduct, during, the conduct.
(8)If the conduct takes place, or continues to take place, after consent has been withdrawn, it takes place, or continues to take place, without consent.
(1)It is a defence to a charge in proceedings—
(a)against A under any of sections 28 to 37(1) that A reasonably believed that B had attained the age of 16 years,
(b)against B under section 37(4) that B reasonably believed that A had attained the age of 16 years.
(2)But—
(a)the defence under subsection (1)(a) is not available to A—
(i)if A has previously been charged by the police with a relevant sexual offence, or
(ii)if there is in force in respect of A a risk of sexual harm order,
(b)the defence under subsection (1)(b) is not available to B—
(i)if B has previously been charged by the police with a relevant sexual offence, or
(ii)if there is in force in respect of B a risk of sexual harm order.
(3)It is a defence to a charge in proceedings under any of the sections mentioned in subsection (4) that at the time when the conduct to which the charge relates took place, the difference between A’s age and B’s age did not exceed 2 years.
(4)Those sections are—
(a)section 30(2)(a), but not in so far as the charge is founded on—
(i)penetration of B’s vagina, anus or mouth with A’s penis,
(ii)penetration of B’s vagina or anus with A’s mouth, tongue or teeth,
(b)section 30(2)(b) or (c), but not in so far as the charge is founded on sexual touching or other physical activity involving—
(i)B’s vagina, anus or penis being touched sexually by A’s mouth,
(ii)A’s vagina, anus or mouth being penetrated by B’s penis,
(iii)A’s vagina, anus or penis being touched sexually by B’s mouth,
(c)section 30(2)(d),
(d)any of sections 31 to 36.
(5)In paragraphs (a) and (b) of subsection (2)—
(a)“a relevant sexual offence” means an offence listed in schedule 1,
(b)“a risk of sexual harm order” means an order under section 2 of the Protection of Children and Prevention of Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2005 (asp 9) or section 123 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 (c. 42).
(6)The Scottish Ministers may by order modify schedule 1 so as to add an offence against a child which involves sexual conduct or delete an offence listed there.
(7)It is not a defence to a charge in—
(a)proceedings under any of sections 28 to 37(1) against A that A believed that B had not attained the age of 13 years,
(b)proceedings under section 37(4) against B that B believed that A had not attained the age of 13 years.
(1)Deeming provision 1 applies to a trial where—
(a)A is charged with an offence under any of sections 28 to 36 or 37(1),
(b)there is a failure to establish beyond reasonable doubt that B was a child who had attained the age of 13 years at the relevant time, and
(c)the court or, in the case of a trial of an indictment, the jury is satisfied it is established beyond reasonable doubt that B had not attained the age of 16 years at the time.
(2)Deeming provision 2 applies to a trial where—
(a)B is charged with an offence under section 37(4),
(b)there is a failure to establish beyond reasonable doubt that A was a child who had attained the age of 13 years at the relevant time, and
(c)the court or, in the case of a trial of an indictment, the jury is satisfied it is established beyond reasonable doubt that A had not attained the age of 16 years at the time.
(3)Deeming provision 3 applies to a trial where—
(a)A is charged with an offence under section 37(1),
(b)there is a failure to establish beyond reasonable doubt that A was a child who had not attained the age of 16 years at the relevant time, and
(c)the court or, in the case of a trial of an indictment, the jury is satisfied it is established beyond reasonable doubt that A had attained the age of 13 years at the time.
(4)Deeming provision 4 applies to a trial where—
(a)B is charged with an offence under section 37(4),
(b)there is a failure to establish beyond reasonable doubt that B was a child who had not attained the age of 16 years at the relevant time, and
(c)the court or, in the case of a trial of an indictment, the jury is satisfied it is established beyond reasonable doubt that B had attained the age of 13 years at the time.
(5)Where any of the deeming provisions apply, references in sections 28 to 37 to A or B having or not having attained a particular age are to be construed in accordance with this section and section 41.
(6)In this section and section 41, the “relevant time” is when the conduct to which the proceedings relate occurred.
The deeming provisions are—
| Deeming provision 1 | B is to be deemed for the purposes of the proceedings to be a person who has attained the age of 13 years at the relevant time. |
| Deeming provision 2 | A is to be deemed for the purposes of the proceedings to be a person who has attained the age of 13 years at the relevant time. |
| Deeming provision 3 | A is to be deemed for the purposes of the proceedings to be a child who has not attained the age of 16 years at the relevant time. |
| Deeming provision 4 | B is to be deemed for the purposes of the proceedings to be a person who has not attained the age of 16 years at the relevant time. |
If a person (“A”) who has attained the age of 18 years—
(a)intentionally engages in a sexual activity with or directed towards another person (“B”) who is under 18, and
(b)is in a position of trust in relation to B,
then A commits an offence, to be known as the offence of sexual abuse of trust.
(1)For the purposes of section 42, a person (“A”) is in a position of trust in relation to another person (“B”) if any of the five conditions set out below is fulfilled.
(2)The first condition is that B is detained by virtue of an order of court or under an enactment in an institution and A looks after persons under 18 in that institution.
(3)The second condition is that B is resident in a home or other place in which accommodation is provided by a local authority under section 26(1) of the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 (c. 36) and A looks after persons under 18 in that place.
(4)The third condition is that B is accommodated and cared for in—
(a)a hospital,
(b)accommodation provided by an independent health care service,
(c)accommodation provided by a care home service,
(d)a residential establishment, or
(e)accommodation provided by a school care accommodation service or a secure accommodation service,
and A looks after persons under 18 in that place.
(5)The fourth condition is that B is receiving education at—
(a)a school and A looks after persons under 18 in that school, or
(b)a further or higher education institution and A looks after B in that institution.
(6)The fifth condition is that A—
(a)has any parental responsibilities or parental rights in respect of B,
(b)fulfils any such responsibilities or exercises any such rights under arrangement with a person who has such responsibilities or rights,
(c)had any such responsibilities or rights but no longer has such responsibilities or rights, or
(d)treats B as a child of A’s family,
and B is a member of the same household as A.
(7)A looks after a person for the purposes of this section if A regularly cares for, teaches, trains, supervises, or is in sole charge of the person.
(8)The Scottish Ministers may by order modify this section (other than this subsection) and section 44 so as to add, delete or amend a condition.
In section 43—
“care home service” has the meaning given by section 2(3) of the Regulation of Care (Scotland) Act 2001 (asp 8) (“the 2001 Act”),
“further or higher education institution” means a body listed in schedule 2 to the Further and Higher Education (Scotland) Act 2005 (asp 6),
“hospital” means a health service hospital (as defined in section 108(1) of the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978 (c. 29)),
“independent health care service” has the meaning given by section 2(5) of the 2001 Act,
“local authority” means a council constituted under section 2 of the Local Government etc. (Scotland) Act 1994 (c. 39),
“parental responsibilities” and “parental rights” have the same meanings as in the Children (Scotland) Act 1995 (c. 36),
“residential establishment” has the meaning given by section 93(1)(a) of that Act of 1995,
“school” has the same meaning as in the Education (Scotland) Act 1980 (c. 44),
“school care accommodation service” has the meaning given by section 2(4) of the 2001 Act, and
“secure accommodation service” has the meaning given by section 2(9) of the 2001 Act.
(1)It is a defence to a charge in proceedings under section 42 that A reasonably believed—
(a)that B had attained the age of 18, or
(b)that B was not a person in relation to whom A was in a position of trust.
(2)It is a defence to a charge in proceedings under section 42—
(a)that B was A’s spouse or civil partner, or
(b)that immediately before the position of trust came into being, a sexual relationship existed between A and B.
(3)Subsection (2) does not apply if A was in a position of trust in relation to B by virtue of section 43(6).
(1)If a person (“A”)—
(a)intentionally engages in a sexual activity with or directed towards a mentally disordered person (“B”), and
(b)is a person mentioned in subsection (2),
then A commits an offence, to be known as sexual abuse of trust of a mentally disordered person.
(2)Those persons are—
(a)a person providing care services to B,
(b)a person who—
(i)is an individual employed in, or contracted to provide services in or to, or
(ii)not being the Scottish Ministers, is a manager of,
a hospital, independent health care service or state hospital in which B is being given medical treatment.
(3)References in this section to the provision of care services are references to anything done by way of such services—
(a)by,
(b)by an employee of, or
(c)in the course of a service provided or supplied by,
a care service, whether by virtue of a contract of employment or any other contract or in such other circumstances as may be specified in an order made by the Scottish Ministers.
(4)In this section—
“care service” has the meaning given by subsection (1)(a), (b), (e), (g), (h), (k) and (n) as read with subsections (2), (3), (6), (9), (10), (16) and (27) of section 2 of the Regulation of Care (Scotland) Act 2001 (asp 8),
“hospital” and “independent health care service” have the meanings given in section 44, and
“state hospital” means a hospital provided under section 102(1) of the National Health Service (Scotland) Act 1978 (c. 29).
(1)It is a defence to a charge in proceedings under section 46 that A reasonably believed—
(a)that B did not have a mental disorder, or
(b)that A was not a person specified in section 46(2).
(2)It is a defence to a charge in proceedings under section 46—
(a)that B was A’s spouse or civil partner, or
(b)in a case where A was—
(i)a person specified in section 46(2)(a), that immediately before A began to provide care services to B, a sexual relationship existed between A and B,
(ii)a person specified in section 46(2)(b), that immediately before B was admitted to the hospital (or other establishment) referred to in that provision or (where B has been admitted to that establishment more than once) was last admitted to it, such a relationship existed.
(1)A person guilty of an offence mentioned in the first column of schedule 2 is liable—
(a)on summary conviction, to the penalty mentioned in the third column,
(b)on conviction on indictment, to the penalty mentioned in the fourth column.
(2)Where an individual is convicted on indictment of rape, sexual assault by penetration, rape of a young child or sexual assault on a young child by penetration, a penalty of imprisonment without a fine may be imposed, but not a penalty of a fine alone; and the power of the court in section 199(2)(b) of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 (c. 46) (to substitute a fine for imprisonment) is not available.
(3)Where—
(a)a body corporate,
(b)a Scottish partnership, or
(c)an unincorporated association other than a Scottish partnership,
is convicted on indictment of an offence specified in subsection (2), a penalty of a fine alone may be imposed.
(1)For the purposes of sections 5 to 9, 22 to 26 and 32 to 36, A’s purpose was—
(a)obtaining sexual gratification, or
(b)humiliating, distressing or alarming B,
if in all the circumstances of the case it may reasonably be inferred A was doing the thing for the purpose in question.
(2)In applying subsection (1) to determine A’s purpose, it is irrelevant whether or not B was in fact humiliated, distressed or alarmed by the thing done by A.
(1)If, in a trial—
(a)on an indictment for an offence mentioned in the first column of schedule 3 the jury are not satisfied that the accused committed the offence charged but are satisfied that the accused committed the alternative offence (or as the case may be one of the alternative offences) mentioned in the third column, they may, or
(b)in summary proceedings for an offence mentioned in the first column of that schedule the court is not satisfied that the accused committed the offence charged but is satisfied that the accused committed the alternative offence (or as the case may be one of the alternative offences) mentioned in the third column, it may,
acquit the accused of the charge but find the accused guilty of the alternative offence in respect of which so satisfied (the accused then being liable to be punished accordingly).
(2)Where either of conditions 1 or 2 apply in a trial, the court or jury may acquit the accused of the charge but find the accused guilty of the alternative older child offence (the accused then being liable to be punished accordingly).
(3)Condition 1 is that—
(a)A is charged with an offence under sections 18 to 26, and
(b)but for a failure to establish beyond reasonable doubt that B had attained the age of 13 years at the relevant time, a court or jury would, by virtue of subsection (1), find that A committed an offence (“the alternative older child offence”) of—
(i)having intercourse with an older child,
(ii)engaging in penetrative sexual activity with or towards an older child,
(iii)engaging in sexual activity with or towards an older child,
(iv)causing an older child to participate in a sexual activity,
(v)causing an older child to be present during a sexual activity,
(vi)causing an older child to look at a sexual image,
(vii)communicating indecently with an older child,
(viii)causing an older child to see or hear an indecent communication,
(ix)sexual exposure to an older child,
(x)voyeurism towards an older child,
(xi)engaging while an older child in sexual conduct with or towards another older child,
(xii)engaging while an older child in consensual sexual conduct with another older child.
(4)Condition 2 is that—
(a)A is charged with an offence under section 28, 29 or 30, and
(b)but for a failure to establish beyond reasonable doubt that A had not attained the age of 16 years at the relevant time, a court or jury would, by virtue of subsection (1), find that A committed an offence (“the alternative older child offence”) of—
(i)engaging while an older child in sexual conduct with or towards another older child,
(ii)engaging while an older child in consensual sexual conduct with another older child.
(5)In this section, the “relevant time” is when the conduct to which the proceedings relate occurred.
(6)A reference in this section to an offence includes a reference to—
(a)an attempt to commit,
(b)incitement to commit,
(c)counselling or procuring the commission of, and
(d)involvement art and part in,
an offence.
A person (“X”) is not guilty of inciting, or being involved art and part in, an offence under Part 4 or 5 if, as regards another person (“Y”), X acts—
(a)for the purpose of—
(i)protecting Y from sexually transmitted infection,
(ii)protecting the physical safety of Y,
(iii)preventing Y from becoming pregnant, or
(iv)promoting Y’s emotional well-being by the giving of advice, and
(b)not for the purpose of—
(i)obtaining sexual gratification,
(ii)humiliating, distressing or alarming Y, or
(iii)causing or encouraging the activity constituting the offence or Y’s participation in it.
For all purposes not relating to offences committed before the coming into force of this section—
(a)the common law offences of—
(i)rape,
(ii)clandestine injury to women,
(iii)lewd, indecent or libidinous practice or behaviour, and
(iv)sodomy,
are abolished, and
(b)without prejudice to paragraph (a), in so far as the provisions of this Act regulate any conduct they replace any rule of law regulating that conduct.
(1)This section applies where, in any trial—
(a)the accused is charged in respect of the same conduct both with an offence under this Act (“the new offence”) and with an offence specified in subsection (2) (“the existing offence”),
(b)there is a failure to establish beyond reasonable doubt that—
(i)the time when the conduct took place was after the coming into force of the provision providing for the new offence, and
(ii)the time when the conduct took place was before the abolishment or replacement of or, as the case may be, the coming into force of the repeal of the enactment providing for, the existing offence, and
(c)the court (or, in the case of a trial of an indictment, the jury) is satisfied in every other respect that the accused committed the offences charged.
(2)The offences referred to in subsection (1)(a) are—
(a)rape (at common law),
(b)clandestine injury to women,
(c)lewd, indecent or libidinous practice or behaviour,
(d)any other common law offence which is replaced by an offence under this Act,
(e)an offence under section 3 of the Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 1995 (c. 39) (intercourse of person in position of trust with child under 16),
(f)an offence under section 5(1), (2) or (3) (intercourse with girl under 16) or 6 (indecent behaviour towards girl between 12 and 16) of that Act,
(g)an offence under section 3 of the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 2000 (c. 44) (abuse of position of trust).
(3)Where this section applies, the accused may be found guilty—
(a)if the maximum penalty for the existing offence is less than the maximum penalty for the new offence, of the existing offence,
(b)in any other case, of the new offence.
(4)In subsection (3) the reference, in relation to an offence, to the maximum penalty is a reference to the maximum penalty by way of imprisonment or other detention that could be imposed on the accused on conviction of the offence in the proceedings in question.
(5)A reference in this section to an offence includes a reference to—
(a)an attempt to commit an offence,
(b)incitement to commit an offence,
(c)counselling or procuring the commission of an offence,
(d)involvement art and part in an offence, and
(e)an offence as modified by section 16A or 16B of the Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 1995 (c. 39).
(1)If a person does an act in Scotland which would amount to the offence of incitement to commit a listed offence but for the fact that what the person had in view (referred to in this section as “the relevant conduct”) is intended to occur in a country outside the United Kingdom, then—
(a)the relevant conduct is to be treated as the listed offence, and
(b)the person accordingly commits the offence of incitement to commit the listed offence.
(2)However, a person who is not a UK national commits an offence by virtue of subsection (1) only if the relevant conduct would also involve the commission of an offence under the law in force in the country where the whole or any part of it was intended to take place.
(3)Conduct punishable under the law in force in the country is an offence under that law for the purposes of subsection (2) however it is described in that law.
(4)The condition specified in subsection (2) is to be taken as satisfied unless, not later than such time as may be prescribed by Act of Adjournal, the accused serves on the prosecutor a notice—
(a)stating that, on the facts as alleged with respect to the relevant conduct, the condition is not in the accused’s opinion satisfied,
(b)setting out the grounds for the accused’s opinion, and
(c)requiring the prosecutor to prove that the condition is satisfied.
(5)But the court, if it thinks fit, may permit the accused to require the prosecutor to prove that the condition is satisfied without the prior service of a notice under that subsection.
(6)In proceedings on indictment, the question whether the condition is satisfied is to be determined by the judge alone.
(7)Any act of incitement by means of a message (however communicated) is to be treated as done in Scotland if the message is sent or received in Scotland.
(8)In this section—
“country” includes territory,
“listed offence” means an offence listed in Part 1 of schedule 4,
“UK national” means an individual who was at the time the relevant conduct took place, or who has subsequently become—
a British citizen, a British overseas territories citizen, a British National (Overseas) or a British Overseas citizen,
a person who under the British Nationality Act 1981 is a British subject, or
a British protected person within the meaning of that Act.
(1)If a UK national does an act in a country outside the United Kingdom which would, if it had been done in Scotland, constitute a listed offence then the UK national commits that offence.
(2)If—
(a)a UK resident does an act in a country outside the United Kingdom which would, if it had been done in Scotland, constitute a listed offence, and
(b)the act constitutes an offence under the law in force in that country,
then the UK resident commits the listed offence.
(3)For the purposes of subsection (2)(b), an act punishable under the law in force in the country is an offence under that law however it is described in that law.
(4)The condition specified in subsection (2)(b) is to be taken as satisfied unless, not later than such time as may be prescribed by Act of Adjournal, the accused serves on the prosecutor a notice—
(a)stating that, on the facts as alleged with respect to the act in question, the condition is not in the accused’s opinion satisfied,
(b)setting out the grounds for the accused’s opinion, and
(c)requiring the prosecutor to prove that the condition is satisfied.
(5)But the court, if it thinks fit, may permit the accused to require the prosecutor to prove that the condition is satisfied without the prior service of a notice under that subsection.
(6)In proceedings on indictment, the question whether the condition is satisfied is to be determined by the judge alone.
(7)A person may be proceeded against, indicted, tried and punished for any offence to which this section applies—
(a)in any sheriff court district in Scotland in which the person is apprehended or is in custody, or
(b)in such sheriff court district as the Lord Advocate may determine,
as if the offence had been committed in that district; and the offence is, for all purposes incidental to or consequential on trial or punishment, to be deemed to have been committed in that district.
(8)In this section—
“country” includes territory,
“listed offence” means an offence listed in Part 2 of schedule 4,
“sheriff court district” is to be construed in accordance with section 307(1) (interpretation) of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 (c. 46),
“UK national” has the meaning given in section 54,
“UK resident” means an individual who was at the time the act mentioned in subsection (2) took place, or who has subsequently become, resident in the United Kingdom.
(1)This section applies where, in any trial—
(a)the accused is charged in respect of the same conduct both—
(i)with an offence mentioned in subsection (2) as modified by section 16B of the Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 1995 (commission of certain sexual acts outside the United Kingdom), and
(ii)with that offence as modified by section 55,
(b)there is a failure to establish beyond reasonable doubt that—
(i)the time when the conduct took place was after the coming into force of section 55, and
(ii)the time when the conduct took place was before the coming into force of the repeal of section 16B of the Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 1995, and
(c)the court (or, in the case of a trial of an indictment, the jury) is satisfied in every other respect that the accused committed the offences charged.
(2)The offences referred to in subsection (1)(a) are—
(a)an offence under section 52 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 (c. 45) (taking and distribution of indecent images of children),
(b)an offence under section 52A of that Act (possession of indecent images of children),
(c)an offence under section 9 of the Protection of Children and Prevention of Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2005 (asp 9) (paying for sexual services of a child),
(d)an offence under section 10 of that Act (causing or inciting provision by child of sexual services or pornography),
(e)an offence under section 11 of that Act (controlling a child providing sexual services or involved in pornography),
(f)an offence under section 12 of that Act (arranging or facilitating provision by child of sexual services or pornography).
(3)Where this section applies, the accused may be found guilty of the offence mentioned in subsection (2) as modified by section 16B of the Criminal Law (Consolidation) (Scotland) Act 1995.
(4)A reference in this section to an offence includes a reference to—
(a)an attempt to commit,
(b)incitement to commit,
(c)counselling or procuring the commission of, and
(d)involvement art and part in,
an offence.
(1)Where—
(a)an offence under this Act has been committed by—
(i)a body corporate,
(ii)a Scottish partnership, or
(iii)an unincorporated association other than a Scottish partnership, and
(b)it is proved that the offence was committed with the consent or connivance of, or was attributable to any neglect on the part of—
(i)a relevant individual, or
(ii)an individual purporting to act in the capacity of a relevant individual,
that individual (as well as the body corporate, partnership or, as the case may be, unincorporated association) commits the offence and is liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly.
(2)In subsection (1), “relevant individual” means—
(a)in relation to a body corporate (other than a limited liability partnership)—
(i)a director, manager, secretary or other similar officer of the body,
(ii)where the affairs of the body are managed by its members, a member,
(b)in relation to a limited liability partnership, a member,
(c)in relation to a Scottish partnership, a partner,
(d)in relation to an unincorporated association other than a Scottish partnership, a person who is concerned in the management or control of the association.
(1)The Scottish Ministers may by order make such incidental, supplemental, consequential, transitional, transitory or saving provision as they consider necessary or expedient for the purposes of, or in consequence of, or for giving full effect to, this Act or any provision of it.
(2)An order under this section may modify any enactment, instrument or document.
(1)Any power of the Scottish Ministers to make orders under this Act—
(a)must be exercised by statutory instrument,
(b)may be exercised so as to make different provision for different purposes,
(c)includes power to make incidental, supplemental, consequential, transitional, transitory or saving provision.
(2)A statutory instrument containing an order made under this Act (except an order made under section 62(2)) is, subject to subsection (3), subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of the Parliament.
(3)A statutory instrument containing—
(a)an order under section 39(6) or section 43(8), or
(b)an order under section 58 containing incidental, supplemental or consequential provision,
is not to be made unless a draft of the instrument has been laid before, and approved by resolution of, the Parliament.
(1)In this Act—
“mental disorder” has the meaning given by section 17(3),
“penis” and “vagina” have the meanings given by section 1(4).
(2)For the purposes of this Act—
(a)penetration, touching, or any other activity,
(b)a communication,
(c)a manner of exposure, or
(d)a relationship,
is sexual if a reasonable person would, in all the circumstances of the case, consider it to be sexual.
(1)Schedule 5 (which contains modifications of enactments) has effect.
(2)The enactments mentioned in the first column of schedule 6 are repealed to the extent specified in the second column of that schedule.
(1)This Act may be cited as the Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009.
(2)This Act (other than sections 1(4), 17(3), 58 to 60 and this section) comes into force in accordance with provision made by the Scottish Ministers by order.