Explanatory Notes

Abusive Behaviour and Sexual Harm (Scotland) Act 2016

2016 asp 22

28 April 2016

Commentary on Parts

Part 2 – Sexual Harm

Chapter 4 – Sexual risk orders
Enforcement
Section 35 – Application of notification requirements on breach of order

161.Section 35 sets out the circumstances in which breach of a SRO or interim SRO renders a person subject to the notification requirements of Part 2 of the 2003 Act (sex offender notification requirements).

162.These circumstances will occur if a person is convicted of the section 34 offence, or is acquitted by reason of the special defence set out in section 51A of the 1995 Act (which provides a defence where a person is unable by reason of mental disorder to appreciate the nature or wrongfulness of their conduct), or if a court finds the person unfit to stand trial under section 53F of that Act (which provides that a person is unfit for trial if it is established on the balance of probabilities that the person is incapable, by reason of a mental or physical condition, of participating effectively in that trial). In relation to the third circumstance there must also be a finding that the person has done the act or made the omission constituting the section 34 offence.

163.The notification requirements will remain in place for the duration of the breached SRO. If the conviction is for breach of an interim SRO, the restrictions or requirements will remain in place for the duration of the interim order or, if a full order is subsequently made, for the duration of the full order.