The Sexual Offences (Northern Ireland) Order 2008

PART 1 N.I. INTRODUCTORY

Title and commencement N.I.

1.—(1) This Order may be cited as the Sexual Offences (Northern Ireland) Order 2008.

(2) The following provisions of this Order come into operation one week after the day on which this Order is made—

(a) this Part;

(b) Article 80;

(c) Article 82.

(3) The other provisions of this Order come into operation on such day or days as the Secretary of State may by order appoint.

Subordinate Legislation Made

P1 Art. 1(3) power fully exercised: 2.2.2009 appointed by S.R. 2008/510, art. 2

Interpretation N.I.

2.—(1) The Interpretation Act (Northern Ireland) 1954 (c.33) applies to this Order as it applies to an Act of the Assembly.

(2) The following provisions of this Article apply for the purposes of this Order.

(3) “Statutory provision” must be construed in accordance with section 1(f) of the Interpretation Act (Northern Ireland) 1954 (c. 33).

(4) “The 1995 Order” means the Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 (NI 2).

[F1 (4A) “The Department” means the Department of Justice.]

(5) Penetration is a continuing act from entry to withdrawal.

(6) References to a part of the body include references to a part surgically constructed (in particular, through gender reassignment surgery).

(7) “Image” means a moving or still image and includes an image produced by any means and, where the context permits, a three-dimensional image.

(8) References to an image of a person include references to an image of an imaginary person.

(9) “Mental disorder” has the meaning given by Article 3 of the Mental Health (Northern Ireland) Order 1986 (NI 4).

(10) References to observation (however expressed) are to observation whether direct or by looking at an image.

(11) Touching includes touching—

(a) with any part of the body,

(b) with anything else,

(c) through anything,

and in particular includes touching amounting to penetration.

(12) “Vagina” includes vulva.

(13) In relation to an animal, references to the vagina or anus include references to any similar part.

Textual Amendments

F1 Art. 2(4A) inserted (27.11.2023) by Justice (Sexual Offences and Trafficking Victims) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 (c. 19), ss. 5(2), 30(2); S.R. 2023/188, art. 3(a)

“Consent” N.I.

3.  For the purposes of this Order, a person consents if he agrees by choice, and has the freedom and capacity to make that choice.

“Sexual” N.I.

4.  For the purposes of this Order, except [F2 Article 22A (sexual communication with a child) or] Article 75 (sexual activity in a public lavatory), penetration, touching or any other activity is sexual if a reasonable person would consider that—

(a) whatever its circumstances or any person's purpose in relation to it, it is because of its nature sexual, or

(b) because of its nature it may be sexual and because of its circumstances or the purpose of any person in relation to it (or both), it is sexual.

Textual Amendments

F2 Words in art. 4 inserted (25.7.2015) by Justice Act (Northern Ireland) 2015 (c. 9), ss. 90(2), 106(1)(b)

PART 2 N.I. NON-CONSENSUAL SEXUAL OFFENCES

Rape N.I.

Rape N.I.

5.—(1) A person (A) commits an offence if—

(a) he intentionally penetrates the vagina, anus or mouth of another person (B) with his penis,

(b) B does not consent to the penetration, and

(c) 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) Articles 9 and 10 apply to an offence under this Article.

(4) A person guilty of an offence under this Article is liable, on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for life.

(5) Any reference to rape in a statutory provision shall be construed in accordance with paragraph (1).

(6) The common law offence of rape is abolished.

Assault N.I.

Assault by penetration N.I.

6.—(1) A person (A) commits an offence if—

(a) he intentionally penetrates the vagina or anus of another person (B) with a part of his body or anything else,

(b) the penetration is sexual,

(c) B does not consent to the penetration, 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) Articles 9 and 10 apply to an offence under this Article.

(4) A person guilty of an offence under this Article is liable, on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for life.

Sexual assault N.I.

7.—(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) Articles 9 and 10 apply to an offence under this Article.

(4) A person guilty of an offence under this Article 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.

Causing sexual activity without consent N.I.

Causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent N.I.

8.—(1) A person (A) commits an offence if—

(a) he intentionally causes another person (B) to engage in an activity,

(b) the activity is sexual,

(c) B does not consent to engaging in the activity, 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) Articles 9 and 10 apply to an offence under this Article.

(4) A person guilty of an offence under this Article, if the activity caused involved—

(a) penetration of B's anus or vagina,

(b) penetration of B's mouth with a person's penis,

(c) penetration of a person's anus or vagina with a part of B's body or by B with anything else, or

(d) penetration of a person's mouth with B's penis,

is liable, on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for life.

(5) Unless paragraph (4) applies, a person guilty of an offence under this Article 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.

Evidential presumptions about consent N.I.

9.—(1) If in proceedings for an offence to which this Article applies it is proved—

(a) that the defendant did the relevant act,

(b) that any of the circumstances specified in paragraph (2) existed, and

(c) that the defendant knew that those circumstances existed,

the complainant is to be taken not to have consented to the relevant act unless sufficient evidence is adduced to raise an issue as to whether he consented, and the defendant is to be taken not to have reasonably believed that the complainant consented unless sufficient evidence is adduced to raise an issue as to whether he reasonably believed it.

(2) The circumstances are that—

(a) any person was, at the time of the relevant act or immediately before it began, using violence against the complainant or causing the complainant to fear that immediate violence would be used against him;

(b) any person was, at the time of the relevant act or immediately before it began, causing the complainant to fear that violence was being used, or that immediate violence would be used, against another person;

(c) the complainant was, and the defendant was not, unlawfully detained at the time of the relevant act;

(d) the complainant was asleep or otherwise unconscious at the time of the relevant act;

(e) because of the complainant's physical disability, the complainant would not have been able at the time of the relevant act to communicate to the defendant whether the complainant consented;

(f) any person had administered to or caused to be taken by the complainant, without the complainant's consent, a substance which, having regard to when it was administered or taken, was capable of causing or enabling the complainant to be stupefied or overpowered at the time of the relevant act.

(3) In paragraph (2)(a) and (b), the reference to the time immediately before the relevant act began is, in the case of an act which is one of a continuous series of sexual activities, a reference to the time immediately before the first sexual activity began.

Conclusive presumptions about consent N.I.

10.—(1) If in proceedings for an offence to which this Article applies it is proved that the defendant did the relevant act and that any of the circumstances specified in paragraph (2) existed, it is to be conclusively presumed—

(a) that the complainant did not consent to the relevant act, and

(b) that the defendant did not believe that the complainant consented to the relevant act.

(2) The circumstances are—

(a) the defendant intentionally deceived the complainant as to the nature or purpose of the relevant act;

(b) the defendant intentionally induced the complainant to consent to the relevant act by impersonating a person known personally to the complainant.

Articles 9 and 10: relevant acts N.I.

11.  In relation to an offence to which Articles 9 and 10 apply, references in those Articles to the relevant act and to the complainant are to be read as follows—

Offence	Relevant Act
An offence under Article 5 (rape)	The defendant intentionally penetrating, with his penis, the vagina, anus or mouth of another person (“the complainant”).
An offence under Article 6 (assault by penetration)	The defendant intentionally penetrating, with a part of his body or anything else, the vagina or anus of another person (“the complainant”), where the penetration is sexual.
An offence under Article 7 (sexual assault)	The defendant intentionally touching another person (“the complainant”), where the touching is sexual.
An offence under Article 8 (causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent)	The defendant intentionally causing another person (“the complainant”) to engage in an activity, where the activity is sexual.

PART 3 N.I. SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST CHILDREN

Rape and other offences against children under 13 N.I.

Rape of a child under 13 N.I.

12.—(1) A person commits an offence if—

(a) he intentionally penetrates the vagina, anus or mouth of another person with his penis, and

(b) the other person is under 13.

(2) A person guilty of an offence under this Article is liable, on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for life.

Assault N.I.

Assault of a child under 13 by penetration N.I.

13.—(1) A person commits an offence if—

(a) he intentionally penetrates the vagina or anus of another person with a part of his body or anything else,

(b) the penetration is sexual, and

(c) the other person is under 13.

(2) A person guilty of an offence under this Article is liable, on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for life.

Sexual assault of a child under 13 N.I.

14.—(1) A person commits an offence if—

(a) he intentionally touches another person,

(b) the touching is sexual, and

(c) the other person is under 13.

(2) A person guilty of an offence under this Article 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 14 years.

Causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity N.I.

15.—(1) A person commits an offence if—

(a) he intentionally causes or incites another person (B) to engage in an activity,

(b) the activity is sexual, and

(c) B is under 13.

(2) A person guilty of an offence under this Article, if the activity caused or incited involved—

(a) penetration of B's anus or vagina,

(b) penetration of B's mouth with a person's penis,

(c) penetration of a person's anus or vagina with a part of B's body or by B with anything else, or

(d) penetration of a person's mouth with B's penis,

is liable, on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for life.

(3) Unless paragraph (2) applies, a person guilty of an offence under this Article 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 14 years.

Sexual offences against children under 16 N.I.

Sexual activity with a child N.I.

16.—(1) A person aged 18 or over (A) commits an offence if—

(a) he intentionally touches another person (B),

(b) the touching is sexual, and

(c) either—

(i) B is under 16 and A does not reasonably believe that B is 16 or over, or

(ii) B is under 13.

(2) A person guilty of an offence under this Article, if the touching involved—

(a) penetration of B's anus or vagina with a part of A's body or anything else,

(b) penetration of B's mouth with A's penis,

(c) penetration of A's anus or vagina with a part of B's body, or

(d) penetration of A's mouth with B's penis,

is liable, on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 14 years.

(3) Unless paragraph (2) applies, a person guilty of an offence under this Article 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 14 years.

Causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity N.I.

17.—(1) A person aged 18 or over (A) commits an offence if—

(a) he intentionally causes or incites another person (B) to engage in an activity,

(b) the activity is sexual, and

(c) either—

(i) B is under 16 and A does not reasonably believe that B is 16 or over, or

(ii) B is under 13.

(2) A person guilty of an offence under this Article, if the activity caused or incited involved—

(a) penetration of B's anus or vagina,

(b) penetration of B's mouth with a person's penis,

(c) penetration of a person's anus or vagina with a part of B's body or by B with anything else, or

(d) penetration of a person's mouth with B's penis,

is liable, on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 14 years.

(3) Unless paragraph (2) applies, a person guilty of an offence under this Article 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 14 years.

Engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child N.I.

18.—(1) A person aged 18 or over (A) commits an offence if—

(a) he intentionally engages in an activity,

(b) the activity is sexual,

(c) for the purpose of obtaining sexual gratification, he engages in it—

(i) when another person (B) is present or is in a place from which A can be observed, and

(ii) knowing or believing that B is aware, or intending that B should be aware, that he is engaging in it, and

(d) either—

(i) B is under 16 and A does not reasonably believe that B is 16 or over, or

(ii) B is under 13.

(2) A person guilty of an offence under this Article 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.

Causing a child to watch a sexual act N.I.

19.—(1) A person aged 18 or over (A) commits an offence if—

(a) for the purpose of obtaining sexual gratification, he intentionally causes another person (B) to watch a third person engaging in an activity, or to look at an image of any person engaging in an activity,

(b) the activity is sexual, and

(c) either—

(i) B is under 16 and A does not reasonably believe that B is 16 or over, or

(ii) B is under 13.

(2) A person guilty of an offence under this Article 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.

Sexual offences against children committed by children or young persons N.I.

20.—(1) A person under 18 commits an offence if he does anything which would be an offence under any of Articles 16 to 19 if he were aged 18.

(2) A person guilty of an offence under this Article 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 5 years.

Arranging or facilitating commission of a sex offence against a child N.I.

21.—(1) A person commits an offence if—

(a) he intentionally arranges or facilitates something that he intends to do, intends another person to do, or believes that another person will do, in any part of the world, and

(b) doing it will involve the commission of an offence under any of Articles 16 to 20.

(2) A person does not commit an offence under this Article if—

(a) he arranges or facilitates something that he believes another person will do, but that he does not intend to do or intend another to do, and

(b) any offence within paragraph (1)(b) would be an offence against a child for whose protection he acts.

(3) For the purposes of paragraph (2), a person acts for the protection of a child if he acts for the purpose of—

(a) protecting the child from sexually transmitted infection,

(b) protecting the physical safety of the child,

(c) preventing the child from becoming pregnant, or

(d) promoting the child's emotional well-being by the giving of advice,

and not for the purpose of obtaining sexual gratification or for the purpose of causing or encouraging the activity constituting the offence within paragraph (1)(b) or the child's participation in it.

(4) A person guilty of an offence under this Article 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 14 years.

Meeting a child following sexual grooming etc. N.I.

22.—(1) A person aged 18 or over (A) commits an offence if—

(a) A has met or communicated with another person (B) [F3 on one or more occasions], and subsequently—

(i) A intentionally meets B, or

(ii) A travels with the intention of meeting B in any part of the world or arranges to meet B in any part of the world, or

(iii) B travels with the intention of meeting A in any part of the world,

(b) A intends to do anything to or in respect of B, during or after the meeting mentioned in sub-paragraph (a)(i) to (iii) and in any part of the world, which if done will involve the commission by A of a relevant offence,

(c) B is under 16, and

(d) A does not reasonably believe that B is 16 or over.

(2) In paragraph (1)—

(a) the reference to A having met or communicated with B is a reference to A having met B in any part of the world or having communicated with B by any means from, to or in any part of the world;

(b) “relevant offence” means—

(i) an offence under this Order, or

[F4 (ii) an offence under section 2 of the Human Trafficking and Exploitation (Criminal Justice and Support for Victims) Act (Northern Ireland) 2015 (human trafficking) committed with a view to exploitation that consists of or includes behaviour within section 3(3) of that Act (sexual exploitation), or]

(iii) anything done outside Northern Ireland which is not an offence under paragraph (i) or (ii) but would be an offence within paragraph (i) or (ii) if done in Northern Ireland.

(3) A person guilty of an offence under this Article 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.

Textual Amendments

F3 Words in art. 22(1)(a) substituted (25.7.2015) by Justice Act (Northern Ireland) 2015 (c. 9), ss. 89, 106(1)(b) (with Sch. 8 para. 9)

F4 Art. 22(2)(b)(ii) substituted (14.1.2015) by Human Trafficking and Exploitation (Criminal Justice and Support for Victims) Act (Northern Ireland) 2015 (c. 2), s. 28(2), Sch. 4 para. 8(1)

[F5 Sexual communication with a child N.I.

22A— (1) A person aged 18 or over (A) commits an offence if—

(a) for the purpose of obtaining sexual gratification, A intentionally communicates with another person (B),

(b) the communication is sexual or is intended to encourage B to make (whether to A or to another) a communication that is sexual, and

(c) B is under 16 and A does not reasonably believe that B is 16 or over.

(2) For the purposes of this Article, a communication is sexual if—

(a) any part of it relates to sexual activity, or

(b) a reasonable person would, in all the circumstances but regardless of any person's purpose, consider any part of the communication to be sexual;

and in sub-paragraph (a) “sexual activity” means an activity that a reasonable person would, in all the circumstances but regardless of any person's purpose, consider to be sexual.

(3) A person guilty of an offence under this Article 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 2 years.]

Textual Amendments

F5 Art. 22A inserted (25.7.2015) by Justice Act (Northern Ireland) 2015 (c. 9), ss. 90(1), 106(1)(b)

[F6 Communicating with a person with a view to grooming a particular child N.I.

22B.— (1) A person aged 18 or over (A) commits an offence if—

(a) A communicates with another person (B),

(b) at the time of the communication, A intentionally presents himself or herself to B, to a group of persons that includes B or to the public at large as being under 18,

(c) A’s intention in communicating with B is to establish or participate in an exchange of communications with a particular person whom A has in mind (C) with a view to subsequently committing a relevant offence against C, and

(d) C is under 16 and A does not reasonably believe that C is 16 or over.

(2) B and C may be the same person.

(3) If—

(a) A communicates with a group of persons, and

(b) the group contains a person to whom A intentionally presents himself or herself as being under 18,

A is to be regarded as communicating with that person.

Textual Amendments

F6 Arts. 22B-22G inserted (27.11.2023) by Justice (Sexual Offences and Trafficking Victims) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 (c. 19), ss. 4(1), 30(2); S.R. 2023/188, art. 3(a)

Communicating with a group with a view to grooming a particular child N.I.

22C.   A person aged 18 or over (A) commits an offence if—

(a) A communicates with a group of persons,

(b) at the time of the communication, A intentionally presents himself or herself to the group or to the public at large as being under 18,

(c) A’s intention in communicating with the group is to establish or participate in an exchange of communications with a particular person whom A has in mind (B) with a view to subsequently committing a relevant offence against B, and

(d) B is under 16 and A does not reasonably believe that B is 16 or over.

Textual Amendments

F6 Arts. 22B-22G inserted (27.11.2023) by Justice (Sexual Offences and Trafficking Victims) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 (c. 19), ss. 4(1), 30(2); S.R. 2023/188, art. 3(a)

Communicating with a person with a view to grooming any child N.I.

22D.— (1) A person aged 18 or over (A) commits an offence if—

(a) A communicates with another person (B),

(b) at the time of the communication, A intentionally presents himself or herself to B, to a group of persons that includes B or to the public at large as being under 18, and

(c) A’s intention in communicating with B is to establish or participate in an exchange of communications with a person or persons aged under 16 with a view to subsequently committing a relevant offence against such a person; but without having a particular person in mind at the time of the communication.

(2) If—

(a) A communicates with a group of persons, and

(b) the group contains a person to whom A intentionally presents himself or herself as being under 18,

A is to be regarded as communicating with that person.

Textual Amendments

F6 Arts. 22B-22G inserted (27.11.2023) by Justice (Sexual Offences and Trafficking Victims) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 (c. 19), ss. 4(1), 30(2); S.R. 2023/188, art. 3(a)

Communicating with a group with a view to grooming any child N.I.

22E.   A person aged 18 or over (A) commits an offence if—

(a) A communicates with a group of persons,

(b) at the time of the communication, A intentionally presents himself or herself to the group or to the public at large as being under 18, and

(c) A’s intention in communicating with the group is to establish or participate in an exchange of communications with a person or persons aged under 16 with a view to subsequently committing a relevant offence against such a person; but without having a particular person in mind at the time of the communication.

Textual Amendments

F6 Arts. 22B-22G inserted (27.11.2023) by Justice (Sexual Offences and Trafficking Victims) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 (c. 19), ss. 4(1), 30(2); S.R. 2023/188, art. 3(a)

Communication with a view to grooming: interpretation N.I.

22F.   For the purposes of Articles 22B to 22E—

(a) A presents himself or herself to a person (or persons) as being under 18 if a reasonable person would consider that, in all the circumstances, A presents himself or herself to that person (or those persons) as being under 18;

(b) “relevant offence” means—

(i) an offence under this Order,

(ii) an offence under section 2 of the Human Trafficking and Exploitation (Criminal Justice and Support for Victims) Act (Northern Ireland) 2015 (human trafficking) committed with a view to exploitation that consists of or includes behaviour within section 3(3) of that Act (sexual exploitation), or

(iii) anything done outside Northern Ireland which is not an offence under sub-paragraph (i) or (ii) but would be an offence within sub-paragraph (i) or (ii) if done in Northern Ireland.

Textual Amendments

F6 Arts. 22B-22G inserted (27.11.2023) by Justice (Sexual Offences and Trafficking Victims) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 (c. 19), ss. 4(1), 30(2); S.R. 2023/188, art. 3(a)

Communication with a view to grooming: sentencing N.I.

22G.   A person guilty of an offence under any of Articles 22B to 22E 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 2 years.]

Textual Amendments

F6 Arts. 22B-22G inserted (27.11.2023) by Justice (Sexual Offences and Trafficking Victims) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 (c. 19), ss. 4(1), 30(2); S.R. 2023/188, art. 3(a)

Offences against children under 18: abuse of position of trust N.I.

Abuse of position of trust: sexual activity with a child N.I.

23.—(1) A person aged 18 or over (A) commits an offence if—

(a) he intentionally touches another person (B),

(b) the touching is sexual,

(c) A is in a position of trust in relation to B,

(d) where paragraph (2) applies, A knows or could reasonably be expected to know of the circumstances by virtue of which he is in a position of trust in relation to B, and

(e) either—

(i) B is under 18 and A does not reasonably believe that B is 18 or over, or

(ii) B is under 13.

(2) This paragraph applies where A—

(a) is in a position of trust in relation to B by virtue of circumstances within Article 28(2), (3), (4) or (5), and

(b) is not in such a position of trust by virtue of other circumstances.

(3) Where in proceedings for an offence under this Article it is proved that the other person was under 18, the defendant is to be taken not to have reasonably believed that that person was 18 or over unless sufficient evidence is adduced to raise an issue as to whether he reasonably believed it.

(4) Where in proceedings for an offence under this Article—

(a) it is proved that the defendant was in a position of trust in relation to the other person by virtue of circumstances within Article 28(2), (3), (4) or (5), and

(b) it is not proved that he was in such a position of trust by virtue of other circumstances,

it is to be taken that the defendant knew or could reasonably have been expected to know of the circumstances by virtue of which he was in such a position of trust unless sufficient evidence is adduced to raise an issue as to whether he knew or could reasonably have been expected to know of those circumstances.

(5) A person guilty of an offence under this Article 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 5 years.

Abuse of position of trust: causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity N.I.

24.—(1) A person aged 18 or over (A) commits an offence if—

(a) he intentionally causes or incites another person (B) to engage in an activity,

(b) the activity is sexual,

(c) A is in a position of trust in relation to B,

(d) where paragraph (2) applies, A knows or could reasonably be expected to know of the circumstances by virtue of which he is in a position of trust in relation to B, and

(e) either—

(i) B is under 18 and A does not reasonably believe that B is 18 or over, or

(ii) B is under 13.

(2) This paragraph applies where A—

(a) is in a position of trust in relation to B by virtue of circumstances within Article 28(2), (3), (4) or (5), and

(b) is not in such a position of trust by virtue of other circumstances.

(3) Where in proceedings for an offence under this Article it is proved that the other person was under 18, the defendant is to be taken not to have reasonably believed that that person was 18 or over unless sufficient evidence is adduced to raise an issue as to whether he reasonably believed it.

(4) Where in proceedings for an offence under this Article—

(a) it is proved that the defendant was in a position of trust in relation to the other person by virtue of circumstances within Article 28(2), (3), (4) or (5), and

(b) it is not proved that he was in such a position of trust by virtue of other circumstances,

it is to be taken that the defendant knew or could reasonably have been expected to know of the circumstances by virtue of which he was in such a position of trust unless sufficient evidence is adduced to raise an issue as to whether he knew or could reasonably have been expected to know of those circumstances.

(5) A person guilty of an offence under this Article 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 5 years.

Abuse of position of trust: sexual activity in the presence of a child N.I.

25.—(1) A person aged 18 or over (A) commits an offence if—

(a) he intentionally engages in an activity,

(b) the activity is sexual,

(c) for the purpose of obtaining sexual gratification, he engages in it—

(i) when another person (B) is present or is in a place from which A can be observed, and

(ii) knowing or believing that B is aware, or intending that B should be aware, that he is engaging in it,

(d) A is in a position of trust in relation to B,

(e) where paragraph (2) applies, A knows or could reasonably be expected to know of the circumstances by virtue of which he is in a position of trust in relation to B, and

(f) either—

(i) B is under 18 and A does not reasonably believe that B is 18 or over, or

(ii) B is under 13.

(2) This paragraph applies where A—

(a) is in a position of trust in relation to B by virtue of circumstances within Article 28(2), (3), (4) or (5), and

(b) is not in such a position of trust by virtue of other circumstances.

(3) Where in proceedings for an offence under this Article it is proved that the other person was under 18, the defendant is to be taken not to have reasonably believed that that person was 18 or over unless sufficient evidence is adduced to raise an issue as to whether he reasonably believed it.

(4) Where in proceedings for an offence under this Article—

(a) it is proved that the defendant was in a position of trust in relation to the other person by virtue of circumstances within Article 28(2), (3), (4) or (5), and

(b) it is not proved that he was in such a position of trust by virtue of other circumstances,

it is to be taken that the defendant knew or could reasonably have been expected to know of the circumstances by virtue of which he was in such a position of trust unless sufficient evidence is adduced to raise an issue as to whether he knew or could reasonably have been expected to know of those circumstances.

(5) A person guilty of an offence under this Article 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 5 years.

Abuse of position of trust: causing a child to watch a sexual act N.I.

26.—(1) A person aged 18 or over (A) commits an offence if—

(a) for the purpose of obtaining sexual gratification, he intentionally causes another person (B) to watch a third person engaging in an activity or to look at an image of any person engaging in an activity,

(b) the activity is sexual,

(c) A is in a position of trust in relation to B,

(d) where paragraph (2) applies, A knows or could reasonably be expected to know of the circumstances by virtue of which he is in a position of trust in relation to B, and

(e) either—

(i) B is under 18 and A does not reasonably believe that B is 18 or over, or

(ii) B is under 13.

(2) This paragraph applies where A—

(a) is in a position of trust in relation to B by virtue of circumstances within Article 28(2), (3), (4) or (5), and

(b) is not in such a position of trust by virtue of other circumstances.

(3) Where in proceedings for an offence under this Article it is proved that the other person was under 18, the defendant is to be taken not to have reasonably believed that that person was 18 or over unless sufficient evidence is adduced to raise an issue as to whether he reasonably believed it.

(4) Where in proceedings for an offence under this Article—

(a) it is proved that the defendant was in a position of trust in relation to the other person by virtue of circumstances within Article 28(2), (3), (4) or (5), and

(b) it is not proved that he was in such a position of trust by virtue of other circumstances,

it is to be taken that the defendant knew or could reasonably have been expected to know of the circumstances by virtue of which he was in such a position of trust unless sufficient evidence is adduced to raise an issue as to whether he knew or could reasonably have been expected to know of those circumstances.

(5) A person guilty of an offence under this Article 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 5 years.

Abuse of position of trust: acts done in England and Wales or Scotland N.I.

27.  Anything which, if done in Northern Ireland, would constitute an offence under any of Articles 23 to 26 also constitutes that offence if done in England and Wales or Scotland.

Positions of trust N.I.

28.—(1) For the purposes of Articles 23 to 26 a person (A) is in a position of trust in relation to another person (B) if—

(a) any of the following paragraphs applies, or

(b) any condition specified in [F7 regulations made by the Department] is met.

(2) This paragraph applies if A looks after persons under 18 who are detained in an institution by virtue of a court order or under a statutory provision, and B is so detained in that institution.

(3) This paragraph applies if A looks after persons under 18 who are resident in a home or other place in which—

(a) accommodation and maintenance are provided by an authority under Article 27(2) of the 1995 Order, or

(b) accommodation is provided by a voluntary organisation under Article 75(1) of that Order,

and B is resident, and is so provided with accommodation and maintenance or accommodation, in that place.

(4) This paragraph applies if A looks after persons under 18 who are accommodated and cared for in one of the following institutions—

(a) a hospital,

(b) an independent clinic,

(c) a residential care home or private hospital,

(d) a voluntary home or children's home, or

(e) a residential family centre,

and B is accommodated and cared for in that institution.

(5) This paragraph applies if A looks after persons under 18 who are receiving education at an educational institution and B is receiving, and A is not receiving, education at that institution.

(6) This paragraph applies if A is appointed to be the guardian of B under Article 159 or 160 of the 1995 Order.

(7) This paragraph applies if A regularly has unsupervised contact with B (whether face to face or by any other means) in the exercise of functions of an authority under Article 21 or 23 of the 1995 Order.

(8) This paragraph applies if A, as a person who is to report to the court under Article 4 of the 1995 Order on matters relating to the welfare of B, regularly has unsupervised contact with B (whether face to face or by any other means).

(9) This paragraph applies if A is a personal adviser appointed for B under Article 34A(10) or 34C(2) of the 1995 Order, and, in that capacity, looks after B on an individual basis.

(10) This paragraph applies if—

(a) B is subject to a care order, a supervision order or an education supervision order, and

(b) in the exercise of functions conferred by virtue of the order on an authorised person or the authority designated by the order, A looks after B on an individual basis.

(11) This paragraph applies if A is appointed to be the [F8 children’s court guardian] of B under Article 60(1) of the 1995 Order, and, in that capacity, regularly has unsupervised contact with B (whether face to face or by any other means).

(12) This paragraph applies if—

(a) B is subject to requirements imposed by or under a statutory provision on his release from detention for a criminal offence, or is subject to requirements imposed by a court order made in criminal proceedings, and

(b) A looks after B on an individual basis in pursuance of the requirements.

Textual Amendments

F7 Words in art. 28(1)(b) substituted (27.11.2023) by Justice (Sexual Offences and Trafficking Victims) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 (c. 19), ss. 5(3), 30(2); S.R. 2023/188, art. 3(a)

F8 Words in art. 28(11) substituted (13.2.2023) by Adoption and Children Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 (c. 18), ss. 137(4)(c), 160(1); S.R. 2023/12, art. 2

Positions of trust: interpretation N.I.

29.—(1) The following provisions apply for the purposes of Article 28.

(2) Subject to paragraph (3), a person looks after persons under 18 if he is regularly involved in caring for, training, supervising or being in sole charge of such persons.

(3) A person (A) looks after another person (B) on an individual basis if—

(a) A is regularly involved in caring for, training or supervising B, and

(b) in the course of his involvement, A regularly has unsupervised contact with B (whether face to face or by any other means).

(4) A person receives education at an educational institution if—

(a) he is registered or otherwise enrolled as a pupil or student at the institution, or

(b) he receives education at the institution under arrangements with another educational institution at which he is so registered or otherwise enrolled.

(5) In Article 28—

“authority” has the meaning given by Article 2(2) of the 1995 Order;

“care order” has the same meaning as in the 1995 Order;

“children's home” has the meaning that would be given by Article 9 of the Health and Personal Social Services (Quality, Improvement and Regulation) (Northern Ireland) Order 2003 (NI 9) (“the 2003 Order”) if in paragraph (4) of that Article sub-paragraphs (d), (f) and (g) were omitted;

“education supervision order” has the meaning given by Article 49(1) of the 1995 Order;

“hospital” means a hospital within the meaning given by Article 2(2) of the Health and Personal Social Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1972 (NI 14), or any other establishment which is a hospital within the meaning given by Article 2(2) of the 2003 Order;

“independent clinic” has the meaning given by Article 2(2) of the 2003 Order;

“private hospital” has the meaning given by Article 90(2) of the Mental Health (Northern Ireland) Order 1986 (NI 4);

“residential care home” means an establishment which is a residential care home for the purposes of the 2003 Order;

“residential family centre” has the meaning given by section 22 of the Health and Personal Social Services Act (Northern Ireland) 2001 (c. 3);

“supervision order” has the meaning given by Article 49(1) of the 1995 Order;

“voluntary home” has the meaning given by Article 74(1) of the 1995 Order.

[F9 Positions of trust: further categories N.I.

29A.— (1) For the purposes of Articles 23 to 26, a person (A) is in a position of trust in relation to another person (B) if—

(a) A coaches, teaches, trains, supervises or instructs B, on a regular basis, in a sport or a religion, and

(b) A knows that A coaches, teaches, trains, supervises or instructs B, on a regular basis, in that sport or religion.

(2) In paragraph (1)—

“sport” includes—

(a)

any game in which physical skill is the predominant factor,

(b)

any form of physical recreation which is also engaged in for purposes of competition or display,

“religion” includes—

(a)

a religion which involves belief in more than one god,

(b)

a religion which does not involve belief in a god.

(3) Paragraph (1) does not apply where A is in a position of trust in relation to B by virtue of circumstances within Article 28.

(4) The Department may by regulations amend paragraphs (1) and (2) so as to add or remove an activity in which a person may be coached, taught, trained, supervised or instructed.]

Textual Amendments

F9 Art. 29A inserted (27.11.2023) by Justice (Sexual Offences and Trafficking Victims) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 (c. 19), ss. 5(4), 30(2); S.R. 2023/188, art. 3(a)

Articles 23 to 26: exception for spouses and civil partners N.I.

30.—(1) Conduct by a person (A) which would otherwise be an offence under any of Articles 23 to 26 against another person (B) is not an offence under that Article if at the time—

(a) B is 16 or over, and

(b) A and B are lawfully married or civil partners of each other.

(2) In proceedings for such an offence it is for the defendant to prove that A and B were at the time lawfully married or civil partners of each other.

Articles 23 to 26: sexual relationships which pre-date position of trust N.I.

31.—(1) Conduct by a person (A) which would otherwise be an offence under any of Articles 23 to 26 against another person (B) is not an offence under that Article if, immediately before the position of trust arose, a sexual relationship existed between A and B.

(2) Paragraph (1) does not apply if at that time sexual intercourse between A and B would have been unlawful.

(3) In proceedings for an offence under any of Articles 23 to 26 it is for the defendant to prove that such a relationship existed at that time.

Familial sex offences against children under 18 N.I.

Sexual activity with a child family member N.I.

32.—(1) A person (A) commits an offence if—

(a) he intentionally touches another person (B),

(b) the touching is sexual,

(c) the relation of A to B is within Article 34,

(d) A knows or could reasonably be expected to know that his relation to B is of a description falling within that Article, and

(e) either—

(i) B is under 18 and A does not reasonably believe that B is 18 or over, or

(ii) B is under 13.

(2) Where in proceedings for an offence under this Article it is proved that the other person was under 18, the defendant is to be taken not to have reasonably believed that that person was 18 or over unless sufficient evidence is adduced to raise an issue as to whether he reasonably believed it.

(3) Where in proceedings for an offence under this Article it is proved that the relation of the defendant to the other person was of a description falling within Article 34, it is to be taken that the defendant knew or could reasonably have been expected to know that his relation to the other person was of that description unless sufficient evidence is adduced to raise an issue as to whether he knew or could reasonably have been expected to know that it was.

(4) A person guilty of an offence under this Article, if aged 18 or over at the time of the offence, is liable—

(a) where paragraph (6) applies, on conviction on indictment to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 14 years;

(b) in any other case—

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

(ii) on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 14 years.

(5) Unless paragraph (4) applies, a person guilty of an offence under this Article 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 5 years.

(6) This paragraph applies where the touching involved—

(a) penetration of B's anus or vagina with a part of A's body or anything else,

(b) penetration of B's mouth with A's penis,

(c) penetration of A's anus or vagina with a part of B's body, or

(d) penetration of A's mouth with B's penis.

Inciting a child family member to engage in sexual activity N.I.

33.—(1) A person (A) commits an offence if—

(a) he intentionally incites another person (B) to touch, or allow himself to be touched by, A,

(b) the touching is sexual,

(c) the relation of A to B is within Article 34,

(d) A knows or could reasonably be expected to know that his relation to B is of a description falling within that Article, and

(e) either—

(i) B is under 18 and A does not reasonably believe that B is 18 or over, or

(ii) B is under 13.

(2) Where in proceedings for an offence under this Article it is proved that the other person was under 18, the defendant is to be taken not to have reasonably believed that that person was 18 or over unless sufficient evidence is adduced to raise an issue as to whether he reasonably believed it.

(3) Where in proceedings for an offence under this Article it is proved that the relation of the defendant to the other person was of a description falling within Article 34, it is to be taken that the defendant knew or could reasonably have been expected to know that his relation to the other person was of that description unless sufficient evidence is adduced to raise an issue as to whether he knew or could reasonably have been expected to know that it was.

(4) A person guilty of an offence under this Article, if he was aged 18 or over at the time of the offence, is liable—

(a) where paragraph (6) applies, on conviction on indictment to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 14 years;

(b) in any other case—

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

(ii) on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 14 years.

(5) Unless paragraph (4) applies, a person guilty of an offence under this Article 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 5 years.

(6) This paragraph applies where the touching to which the incitement related involved—

(a) penetration of B's anus or vagina with a part of A's body or anything else,

(b) penetration of B's mouth with A's penis,

(c) penetration of A's anus or vagina with a part of B's body, or

(d) penetration of A's mouth with B's penis.

Family relationships N.I.

34.—(1) The relation of one person (A) to another (B) is within this Article if—

(a) it is within any of paragraphs (2) to (4), or

(b) it would be within one of those paragraphs but for Article 40 of the Adoption (Northern Ireland) Order 1987 (NI 22) (status conferred by adoption).

(2) The relation of A to B is within this paragraph if—

(a) one of them is the other's parent, grandparent, brother, sister, half-brother, half-sister, aunt or uncle, or

(b) A is or has been B's foster parent.

(3) The relation of A to B is within this paragraph if A and B live or have lived in the same household, or A is or has been regularly involved in caring for, training, supervising or being in sole charge of B, and—

(a) one of them is or has been the other's step-parent,

(b) A and B are cousins,

(c) one of them is or has been the other's stepbrother or stepsister, or

(d) the parent or present or former foster parent of one of them is or has been the other's foster parent.

(4) The relation of A to B is within this paragraph if—

(a) A and B live in the same household, and

(b) A is regularly involved in caring for, training, supervising or being in sole charge of B.

(5) For the purposes of this Article—

(a) “aunt” means the sister or half-sister of a person's parent, and “uncle” has a corresponding meaning;

(b) “cousin” means the child of an aunt or uncle;

(c) a person is a child's foster parent if—

(i) he is a person with whom the child has been placed under Article 27(2)(a) or 75(1)(a) of the 1995 Order (fostering), or

(ii) he fosters the child privately, within the meaning given by Article 106(1) of the 1995 Order;

(d) a person is another's partner (whether they are of different sexes or the same sex) if they live together as partners in an enduring family relationship;

(e) “step-parent” includes a parent's partner and “stepbrother” and “stepsister” include the child of a parent's partner.

Articles 32 and 33: exception for spouses and civil partners N.I.

35.—(1) Conduct by a person (A) which would otherwise be an offence under Article 32 or 33 against another person (B) is not an offence under that Article if at the time—

(a) B is 16 or over, and

(b) A and B are lawfully married or civil partners of each other.

(2) In proceedings for such an offence it is for the defendant to prove that A and B were at the time lawfully married or civil partners of each other.

Articles 32 and 33: sexual relationships which pre-date family relationships N.I.

36.—(1) Conduct by a person (A) which would otherwise be an offence under Article 32 or 33 against another person (B) is not an offence under that Article if—

(a) the relation of A to B is not within paragraph (2) of Article 34,

(b) it would not be within that paragraph if Article 40 of the Adoption (Northern Ireland) Order 1987 (NI 22) did not apply, and

(c) immediately before the relation of A to B first became such as to fall within Article 34, a sexual relationship existed between A and B.

(2) Paragraph (1) does not apply if at the time referred to in paragraph (1)(c) sexual intercourse between A and B would have been unlawful.

(3) In proceedings for an offence under Article 32 or 33 it is for the defendant to prove the matters mentioned in paragraph (1)(a) to (c).

[F10 Abuse of children under 18: payment for sexual services and involvement in indecent images] N.I.

Textual Amendments

F10 Art. 37 cross-heading substituted (27.11.2023) by Justice (Sexual Offences and Trafficking Victims) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 (c. 19), s. 30(2), Sch. 2 para. 2; S.R. 2023/188, art. 3(b)

Paying for sexual services of a child N.I.

37.—(1) A person (A) commits an offence if—

(a) he intentionally obtains for himself the sexual services of another person (B).

(b) before obtaining those services, he has made or promised payment for those services to B or a third person, or knows that another person has made or promised such a payment, and

(c) either—

(i) B is under 18, and A does not reasonably believe that B is 18 or over, or

(ii) B is under 13.

(2) In this Article, “payment” means any financial advantage, including the discharge of an obligation to pay or the provision of goods or services (including sexual services) gratuitously or at a discount.

(3) A person guilty of an offence under this Article against a person under 13, where paragraph (6) applies, is liable on conviction on indictment to imprisonment for life.

(4) Unless paragraph (3) applies, a person guilty of an offence under this Article against a person under 16 is liable—

(a) where paragraph (6) applies, on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 14 years;

(b) in any other case—

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

(ii) on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 14 years.

(5) Unless paragraph (3) or (4) applies, a person guilty of an offence under this Article 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 7 years.

(6) This paragraph applies where the offence involved—

(a) penetration of B's anus or vagina with a part of A's body or anything else,

(b) penetration of B's mouth with A's penis,

(c) penetration of A's anus or vagina with a part of B's body or by B with anything else, or

(d) penetration of A's mouth with B's penis.

[F11 Causing or inciting abuse: payment for sexual services and involvement in indecent images] N.I.

38.— [F12 (1) A person (A) commits an offence if—

(a) A intentionally causes or incites another person (B) to offer or provide sexual services to a third person in return for payment, and

(b) either—

(i) B is under 18, and A does not reasonably believe that B is 18 or over, or

(ii) B is under 13.

(1A) A person (A) commits an offence if—

(a) A intentionally causes or incites another person (B) to be involved in the recording or streaming or other transmission of an indecent image of B, and

(b) either—

(i) B is under 18, and A does not reasonably believe that B is 18 or over, or

(ii) B is under 13.]

(2) A person guilty of an offence under this Article 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 14 years.

Textual Amendments

F11 Art. 38 heading substituted (27.11.2023) by Justice (Sexual Offences and Trafficking Victims) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 (c. 19), s. 30(2), Sch. 2 para. 3(3); S.R. 2023/188, art. 3(b)

F12 Art. 38(1)(1A) substituted for art. 38(1) (27.11.2023) by Justice (Sexual Offences and Trafficking Victims) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 (c. 19), s. 30(2), Sch. 2 para. 3(2); S.R. 2023/188, art. 3(b)

[F13 Controlling a child: payment for sexual services and involvement in indecent images] N.I.

39.— [F14 (1) A person (A) commits an offence if—

(a) A intentionally controls any of the activities of another person (B) relating to the offering or provision by B of sexual services to a third person in return for payment, and

(b) either—

(i) B is under 18, and A does not reasonably believe that B is 18 or over, or

(ii) B is under 13.

(1A) A person (A) commits an offence if—

(a) A intentionally controls any of the activities of another person (B) relating to B’s involvement in the recording or streaming or other transmission of an indecent image of B, and

(b) either—

(i) B is under 18, and A does not reasonably believe that B is 18 or over, or

(ii) B is under 13.]

(2) A person guilty of an offence under this Article 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 14 years.

Textual Amendments

F13 Art. 39 heading substituted (27.11.2023) by Justice (Sexual Offences and Trafficking Victims) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 (c. 19), s. 30(2), Sch. 2 para. 4(3); S.R. 2023/188, art. 3(b)

F14 Art. 39(1)(1A) substituted for art. 39(1) (27.11.2023) by Justice (Sexual Offences and Trafficking Victims) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 (c. 19), s. 30(2), Sch. 2 para. 4(2); S.R. 2023/188, art. 3(b)

[F15 Arranging or facilitating abuse: payment for sexual services and involvement in indecent images] N.I.

40.— [F16 (1) A person (A) commits an offence if—

(a) A intentionally arranges or facilitates the offering or provision by another person (B) of sexual services to a third person in return for payment, and

(b) either—

(i) B is under 18, and A does not reasonably believe that B is 18 or over, or

(ii) B is under 13.

(1A) A person (A) commits an offence if—

(a) A intentionally arranges or facilitates the involvement by another person (B) in the recording or streaming or other transmission of an indecent image of B, and

(b) either—

(i) B is under 18, and A does not reasonably believe that B is 18 or over, or

(ii) B is under 13.]

(2) A person guilty of an offence under this Article 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 14 years.

Textual Amendments

F15 Art. 40 heading substituted (27.11.2023) by Justice (Sexual Offences and Trafficking Victims) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 (c. 19), s. 30(2), Sch. 2 para. 5(3); S.R. 2023/188, art. 3(b)

F16 Art. 40(1)(1A) substituted for art. 40(1) (27.11.2023) by Justice (Sexual Offences and Trafficking Victims) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 (c. 19), s. 30(2), Sch. 2 para. 5(2); S.R. 2023/188, art. 3(b)

Articles 38 to 40: interpretation N.I.

[F17 41.— (1) This Article applies for the purposes of Articles 38 to 40.

(2) References to—

(a) offering or providing sexual services, or

(b) the recording or streaming or other transmission of an image,

are to doing so in any part of the world.

(3) In Articles 38(1), 39(1) and 40(1)—

(a) references to B offering or providing sexual services are to doing so on at least one occasion, and

(b) it does not matter whether B is compelled to offer or provide the services.

(4) References to “payment”—

(a) include promises of payment, and

(b) are to payment to B or another person.

(5) “Payment” means any financial advantage, including the discharge of an obligation to pay or the provision of goods or services (including sexual services) gratuitously or at a discount.]

Textual Amendments

F17 Art. 41 substituted (27.11.2023) by Justice (Sexual Offences and Trafficking Victims) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 (c. 19), s. 30(2), Sch. 2 para. 6; S.R. 2023/188, art. 3(b)

Indecent photographs of children under 18 N.I.

Indecent photographs of persons aged 16 or 17 N.I.

42.—(1) The Protection of Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1978 (NI 17) (which makes provision about indecent photographs of persons under 16) is amended as follows.

(2) In Article 2(2) (interpretation), in the definition of “child”, for “sixteen” substitute “ eighteen ”.

(3) In Article 7(1) (evidence of person being a child at a material time) for “sixteen” substitute “ eighteen ”.

(4) In Article 3(1) (offences relating to indecent photographs of children) at the beginning insert “ Subject to Articles 3A and 3B ”.

(5) After Article 3A insert—

“Marriage and other relationships

3B.— (1) This Article applies where, in proceedings for an offence under Article 3(1)(a) of taking or making an indecent photograph of a child, or for an offence under Article 3(1)(b) or (c) relating to an indecent photograph of a child, the defendant proves that the photograph was of the child aged 16 or over, and that at the time of the offence charged the child and he—

(a) were married or civil partners of each other, or

(b) lived together as partners in an enduring family relationship.

(2) Paragraphs (5) and (6) also apply where, in proceedings for an offence under Article 3(1)(b) or (c) relating to an indecent photograph of a child, the defendant proves that the photograph was of the child aged 16 or over, and that at the time when he obtained it the child and he—

(a) were married or civil partners of each other, or

(b) lived together as partners in an enduring family relationship.

(3) This Article applies whether the photograph showed the child alone or with the defendant, but not if it showed any other person.

(4) In the case of an offence under Article 3(1)(a), if sufficient evidence is adduced to raise an issue as to whether the child consented to the photograph being taken or made, or as to whether the defendant reasonably believed that the child so consented, the defendant is not guilty of the offence unless it is proved that the child did not so consent and that the defendant did not reasonably believe that the child so consented.

(5) In the case of an offence under Article 3(1)(b), the defendant is not guilty of the offence unless it is proved that the showing or distributing was to a person other than the child.

(6) In the case of an offence under Article 3(1)(c), if sufficient evidence is adduced to raise an issue both—

(a) as to whether the child consented to the photograph being in the defendant's possession, or as to whether the defendant reasonably believed that the child so consented, and

(b) as to whether the defendant had the photograph in his possession with a view to its being distributed or shown to anyone other than the child,

the defendant is not guilty of the offence unless it is proved either that the child did not so consent and that the defendant did not reasonably believe that the child so consented, or that the defendant had the photograph in his possession with a view to its being distributed or shown to a person other than the child.”

(6) The Criminal Justice (Evidence, Etc.) (Northern Ireland) Order 1988 (NI 17) (possession of indecent photograph of child) is amended as follows.

(7) In Article 15(1), at the beginning insert “ Subject to Article 15A ”.

(8) After Article 15 insert—

“Marriage and other relationships

15A.— (1) This Article applies where, in proceedings for an offence under Article 15(1) relating to an indecent photograph of a child, the defendant proves that the photograph was of the child aged 16 or over, and that at the time of the offence charged the child and he—

(a) were married or civil partners of each other, or

(b) lived together as partners in an enduring family relationship.

(2) This Article also applies where, in proceedings for an offence under Article 15(1) relating to an indecent photograph of a child, the defendant proves that the photograph was of the child aged 16 or over, and that at the time when he obtained it the child and he—

(a) were married or civil partners of each other, or

(b) lived together as partners in an enduring family relationship.

(3) This Article applies whether the photograph showed the child alone or with the defendant, but not if it showed any other person.

(4) If sufficient evidence is adduced to raise an issue as to whether the child consented to the photograph being in the defendant's possession, or as to whether the defendant reasonably believed that the child so consented, the defendant is not guilty of the offence unless it is proved that the child did not so consent and that the defendant did not reasonably believe that the child so consented.”

PART 4 N.I. SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST A PERSON WITH A MENTAL DISORDER

Offences against persons with a mental disorder impeding choice N.I.

Sexual activity with a person with a mental disorder impeding choice N.I.

43.—(1) A person (A) commits an offence if—

(a) he intentionally touches another person (B),

(b) the touching is sexual,

(c) B is unable to refuse because of or for a reason related to a mental disorder, and

(d) A knows or could reasonably be expected to know that B has a mental disorder and that because of it or for a reason related to it B is likely to be unable to refuse.

(2) B is unable to refuse if—

(a) he lacks the capacity to choose whether to agree to the touching (whether because he lacks sufficient understanding of the nature or reasonably foreseeable consequences of what is being done, or for any other reason), or

(b) he is unable to communicate such a choice to A.

(3) A person guilty of an offence under this Article, if the touching involved—

(a) penetration of B's anus or vagina with a part of A's body or anything else,

(b) penetration of B's mouth with A's penis,

(c) penetration of A's anus or vagina with a part of B's body, or

(d) penetration of A's mouth with B's penis,

is liable, on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for life.

(4) Unless paragraph (3) applies, a person guilty of an offence under this Article 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 14 years.

Causing or inciting a person, with a mental disorder impeding choice, to engage in sexual activity N.I.

44.—(1) A person (A) commits an offence if—

(a) he intentionally causes or incites another person (B) to engage in an activity,

(b) the activity is sexual,

(c) B is unable to refuse because of or for a reason related to a mental disorder, and

(d) A knows or could reasonably be expected to know that B has a mental disorder and that because of it or for a reason related to it B is likely to be unable to refuse.

(2) B is unable to refuse if—

(a) he lacks the capacity to choose whether to agree to engaging in the activity caused or incited (whether because he lacks sufficient understanding of the nature or reasonably foreseeable consequences of what is being done, or for any other reason), or

(b) he is unable to communicate such a choice to A.

(3) A person guilty of an offence under this Article, if the activity caused or incited involved—

(a) penetration of B's anus or vagina,

(b) penetration of B's mouth with a person's penis,

(c) penetration of a person's anus or vagina with a part of B's body or by B with anything else, or

(d) penetration of a person's mouth with B's penis,

is liable, on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for life.

(4) Unless paragraph (3) applies, a person guilty of an offence under this Article 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 14 years.

Engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a person with a mental disorder impeding choice N.I.

45.—(1) A person (A) commits an offence if—

(a) he intentionally engages in an activity,

(b) the activity is sexual,

(c) for the purpose of obtaining sexual gratification, he engages in it—

(i) when another person (B) is present or is in a place from which A can be observed, and

(ii) knowing or believing that B is aware, or intending that B should be aware, that he is engaging in it,

(d) B is unable to refuse because of or for a reason related to a mental disorder, and

(e) A knows or could reasonably be expected to know that B has a mental disorder and that because of it or for a reason related to it B is likely to be unable to refuse.

(2) B is unable to refuse if—

(a) he lacks the capacity to choose whether to agree to being present (whether because he lacks sufficient understanding of the nature of the activity, or for any other reason), or

(b) he is unable to communicate such a choice to A.

(3) A person guilty of an offence under this Article 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.

Causing a person, with a mental disorder impeding choice, to watch a sexual act N.I.

46.—(1) A person (A) commits an offence if—

(a) for the purpose of obtaining sexual gratification, he intentionally causes another person (B) to watch a third person engaging in an activity, or to look at an image of any person engaging in an activity,

(b) the activity is sexual,

(c) B is unable to refuse because of or for a reason related to a mental disorder, and

(d) A knows or could reasonably be expected to know that B has a mental disorder and that because of it or for a reason related to it B is likely to be unable to refuse.

(2) B is unable to refuse if—

(a) he lacks the capacity to choose whether to agree to watching or looking (whether because he lacks sufficient understanding of the nature of the activity, or for any other reason), or

(b) he is unable to communicate such a choice to A.

(3) A person guilty of an offence under this Article 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.

Inducements etc. to persons with a mental disorder N.I.

Inducement, threat or deception to procure sexual activity with a person with a mental disorder N.I.

47.—(1) A person (A) commits an offence if—

(a) with the agreement of another person (B) he intentionally touches that person,

(b) the touching is sexual,

(c) A obtains B's agreement by means of an inducement offered or given, a threat made or a deception practised by A for that purpose,

(d) B has a mental disorder, and

(e) A knows or could reasonably be expected to know that B has a mental disorder.

(2) A person guilty of an offence under this Article, if the touching involved—

(a) penetration of B's anus or vagina with a part of A's body or anything else,

(b) penetration of B's mouth with A's penis,

(c) penetration of A's anus or vagina with a part of B's body, or

(d) penetration of A's mouth with B's penis,

is liable, on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for life.

(3) Unless paragraph (2) applies, a person guilty of an offence under this Article 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 14 years.

Causing a person with a mental disorder to engage in or agree to engage in sexual activity by inducement, threat or deception N.I.

48.—(1) A person (A) commits an offence if—

(a) by means of an inducement offered or given, a threat made or a deception practised by him for this purpose, he intentionally causes another person (B) to engage in, or to agree to engage in, an activity,

(b) the activity is sexual,

(c) B has a mental disorder, and

(d) A knows or could reasonably be expected to know that B has a mental disorder.

(2) A person guilty of an offence under this Article, if the activity caused or agreed to involved—

(a) penetration of B's anus or vagina,

(b) penetration of B's mouth with a person's penis,

(c) penetration of a person's anus or vagina with a part of B's body or by B with anything else, or

(d) penetration of a person's mouth with B's penis,

is liable, on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for life.

(3) Unless paragraph (2) applies, a person guilty of an offence under this Article 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 14 years.

Engaging in sexual activity in the presence, procured by inducement, threat or deception, of a person with a mental disorder N.I.

49.—(1) A person (A) commits an offence if—

(a) he intentionally engages in an activity,

(b) the activity is sexual,

(c) for the purpose of obtaining sexual gratification, he engages in it—

(i) when another person (B) is present or is in a place from which A can be observed, and

(ii) knowing or believing that B is aware, or intending that B should be aware, that he is engaging in it,

(d) B agrees to be present or in the place referred to in sub-paragraph (c)(i) because of an inducement offered or given, a threat made or a deception practised by A for the purpose of obtaining that agreement,

(e) B has a mental disorder, and

(f) A knows or could reasonably be expected to know that B has a mental disorder.

(2) A person guilty of an offence under this Article 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.

Causing a person with a mental disorder to watch a sexual act by inducement, threat or deception N.I.

50.—(1) A person (A) commits an offence if—

(a) for the purpose of obtaining sexual gratification, he intentionally causes another person (B) to watch a third person engaging in an activity, or to look at an image of any person engaging in an activity,

(b) the activity is sexual,

(c) B agrees to watch or look because of an inducement offered or given, a threat made or a deception practised by A for the purpose of obtaining that agreement,

(d) B has a mental disorder, and

(e) A knows or could reasonably be expected to know that B has a mental disorder.

(2) A person guilty of an offence under this Article 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.

Care workers for persons with a mental disorder N.I.

Care workers: sexual activity with a person with a mental disorder N.I.

51.—(1) A person (A) commits an offence if—

(a) he intentionally touches another person (B),

(b) the touching is sexual,

(c) B has a mental disorder,

(d) A knows or could reasonably be expected to know that B has a mental disorder, and

(e) A is involved in B's care in a way that falls within Article 55.

(2) Where in proceedings for an offence under this Article it is proved that the other person had a mental disorder, it is to be taken that the defendant knew or could reasonably have been expected to know that that person had a mental disorder unless sufficient evidence is adduced to raise an issue as to whether he knew or could reasonably have been expected to know it.

(3) A person guilty of an offence under this Article, if the touching involved—

(a) penetration of B's anus or vagina with a part of A's body or anything else,

(b) penetration of B's mouth with A's penis,

(c) penetration of A's anus or vagina with a part of B's body, or

(d) penetration of A's mouth with B's penis,

is liable, on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 14 years.

(4) Unless paragraph (3) applies, a person guilty of an offence under this Article 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.

Care workers: causing or inciting sexual activity N.I.

52.—(1) A person (A) commits an offence if—

(a) he intentionally causes or incites another person (B) to engage in an activity,

(b) the activity is sexual,

(c) B has a mental disorder,

(d) A knows or could reasonably be expected to know that B has a mental disorder, and

(e) A is involved in B's care in a way that falls within Article 55.

(2) Where in proceedings for an offence under this Article it is proved that the other person had a mental disorder, it is to be taken that the defendant knew or could reasonably have been expected to know that that person had a mental disorder unless sufficient evidence is adduced to raise an issue as to whether he knew or could reasonably have been expected to know it.

(3) A person guilty of an offence under this Article, if the activity caused or incited involved—

(a) penetration of B's anus or vagina,

(b) penetration of B's mouth with a person's penis,

(c) penetration of a person's anus or vagina with a part of B's body or by B with anything else, or

(d) penetration of a person's mouth with B's penis,

is liable, on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 14 years.

(4) Unless paragraph (3) applies, a person guilty of an offence under this Article 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.

Care workers: sexual activity in the presence of a person with a mental disorder N.I.

53.—(1) A person (A) commits an offence if—

(a) he intentionally engages in an activity,

(b) the activity is sexual,

(c) for the purpose of obtaining sexual gratification, he engages in it—

(i) when another person (B) is present or is in a place from which A can be observed, and

(ii) knowing or believing that B is aware, or intending that B should be aware, that he is engaging in it,

(d) B has a mental disorder,

(e) A knows or could reasonably be expected to know that B has a mental disorder, and

(f) A is involved in B's care in a way that falls within Article 55.

(2) Where in proceedings for an offence under this Article it is proved that the other person had a mental disorder, it is to be taken that the defendant knew or could reasonably have been expected to know that that person had a mental disorder unless sufficient evidence is adduced to raise an issue as to whether he knew or could reasonably have been expected to know it.

(3) A person guilty of an offence under this Article 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 7 years.

Care workers: causing a person with a mental disorder to watch a sexual act N.I.

54.—(1) A person (A) commits an offence if—

(a) for the purpose of obtaining sexual gratification, he intentionally causes another person (B) to watch a third person engaging in an activity, or to look at an image of any person engaging in an activity,

(b) the activity is sexual,

(c) B has a mental disorder,

(d) A knows or could reasonably be expected to know that B has a mental disorder, and

(e) A is involved in B's care in a way that falls within Article 55.

(2) Where in proceedings for an offence under this Article it is proved that the other person had a mental disorder, it is to be taken that the defendant knew or could reasonably have been expected to know that that person had a mental disorder unless sufficient evidence is adduced to raise an issue as to whether he knew or could reasonably have been expected to know it.

(3) A person guilty of an offence under this Article 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 7 years.

Care workers: interpretation N.I.

55.—(1) For the purposes of Articles 51 to 54, a person (A) is involved in the care of another person (B) in a way that falls within this Article if any of paragraphs (2) to (4) applies.

(2) This paragraph applies if—

(a) B is accommodated and cared for in a residential care home, residential family centre, voluntary home or children's home, and

(b) A has functions to perform in the home in the course of employment which have brought him or are likely to bring him into regular face to face contact with B.

(3) This paragraph applies if B is a patient for whom services are provided—

F18 (a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(b) by a [F19 Health and Social Care trust] established under Article 10(1) of the Health and Personal Social Services (Northern Ireland) Order 1991 (NI 1),

(c) by an independent medical agency,

(d) in an independent clinic or independent hospital, or

(e) in a private hospital,

and A has functions to perform for the F20 ... Trust or agency, or in the clinic or hospital, in the course of employment which have brought him or are likely to bring him into regular face to face contact with B.

(4) This paragraph applies if A—

(a) is, whether or not in the course of employment, a provider of care, assistance or services to B in connection with B's mental disorder, and

(b) as such, has had or is likely to have regular face to face contact with B.

(5) In this Article—

“children's home” has the meaning that would be given by Article 9 of the Health and Personal Social Services (Quality, Improvement and Regulation) (Northern Ireland) Order 2003 (NI 9) (“the 2003 Order”) if in paragraph (4) of that Article sub-paragraphs (d), (f) and (g) were omitted;

“employment” means any employment, whether paid or unpaid and whether under a contract for service or apprenticeship, under a contract for services, or otherwise than under a contract;

“independent clinic”, “independent hospital” and “independent medical agency” have the meanings given by Article 2(2) of the 2003 Order;

“private hospital” has the meaning given by Article 90(2) of the Mental Health (Northern Ireland) Order 1986 (NI 4);

“residential care home” means an establishment which is a residential care home for the purposes of the 2003 Order;

“residential family centre” has the meaning given by section 22 of the Health and Personal Social Services Act (Northern Ireland) 2001 (c. 3);

“voluntary home” has the meaning given by Article 74(1) of the 1995 Order.

Textual Amendments

F18 Art. 55(3)(a) omitted (1.4.2022) by virtue of Health and Social Care Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 (c. 3), s. 8(1)(b), Sch. 1 para. 227(a); S.R. 2022/102, art. 2(b)

F19 Words in Order substituted (1.4.2009) by Health and Social Care (Reform) Act (Northern Ireland) 2009 (c. 1), ss. 32, 34(3), Sch. 6 para. 1(1)(c) (with Sch. 6 para. 1(3)); S.R. 2009/114, art. 2

F20 Word in art. 55(3) omitted (1.4.2022) by virtue of Health and Social Care Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 (c. 3), s. 8(1)(b), Sch. 1 para. 227(b); S.R. 2022/102, art. 2(b)

Articles 51 to 54: exception for spouses and civil partners N.I.

56.—(1) Conduct by a person (A) which would otherwise be an offence under any of Articles 51 to 54 against another person (B) is not an offence under that Article if at the time—

(a) B is 16 or over, and

(b) A and B are lawfully married or civil partners of each other.

(2) In proceedings for such an offence it is for the defendant to prove that A and B were at the time lawfully married or civil partners of each other.

Articles 51 to 54: sexual relationships which pre-date care relationships N.I.

57.—(1) Conduct by a person (A) which would otherwise be an offence under any of Articles 51 to 54 against another person (B) is not an offence under that Article if, immediately before A became involved in B's care in a way that falls within Article 55, a sexual relationship existed between A and B.

(2) Paragraph (1) does not apply if at that time sexual intercourse between A and B would have been unlawful.

(3) In proceedings for an offence under any of Articles 51 to 54 it is for the defendant to prove that such a relationship existed at that time.

PART 5 N.I. PROSTITUTION[F21 AND PAYING FOR SEXUAL SERVICES OF A PERSON]

Textual Amendments

F21 Words in Pt. 5 heading inserted (1.6.2015) by Human Trafficking and Exploitation (Criminal Justice and Support for Victims) Act (Northern Ireland) 2015 (c. 2), ss. 15(2), 28(5)

Interpretation of this Part N.I.

58.—(1) The following provisions apply for the purposes of this Part.

(2) “Prostitute” means a person (A) who, on at least one occasion and whether or not compelled to do so, offers or provides sexual services to another person in return for payment or a promise of payment to A or a third person; and “prostitution” is to be interpreted accordingly.

(3) F22 . . . “payment” means any financial advantage, including the discharge of an obligation to pay or the provision of goods or services (including sexual services) gratuitously or at a discount[F23 other than in Article 64A].

(4) “Gain” means—

(a) any financial advantage, including the discharge of an obligation to pay or the provision of goods or services (including sexual services) gratuitously or at a discount; or

(b) the goodwill of any person which is or appears likely, in time, to bring financial advantage.

(5) Conduct is persistent if it takes place on two or more occasions in any period of three months.

(6) F24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(7) For the purposes of [F25 Article 60]—

(a) “street” includes any bridge, road, lane, footway, subway, square, court, alley or passage, whether a thoroughfare or not, which is for the time being open to the public; and

(b) the doorways and entrances of premises abutting on a street (as defined in sub-paragraph (a)), and any ground adjoining and open to a street, shall be treated as forming part of the street.

Textual Amendments

F22 Words in art. 58(3) repealed (1.4.2010) by Policing and Crime Act 2009 (c. 26), ss. 112(1)(2), 116(1), Sch. 7 para. 26(a), Sch. 8 Pt. 2; S.I. 2010/507, art. 5(q)(r)(v)(x) (subject to art. 6)

F23 Words in art. 58(3) inserted (1.6.2015) by Human Trafficking and Exploitation (Criminal Justice and Support for Victims) Act (Northern Ireland) 2015 (c. 2), ss. 15(3), 28(5)

F24 Art. 58(6) repealed (1.4.2010) by Policing and Crime Act 2009 (c. 26), ss. 112(1)(2), 116(1), Sch. 7 para. 26(b), Sch. 8 Pt. 2; S.I. 2010/507, art. 5(q)(r)(v)(x) (subject to art. 6)

F25 Words in art. 58(7) substituted (14.1.2015) by Human Trafficking and Exploitation (Criminal Justice and Support for Victims) Act (Northern Ireland) 2015 (c. 2), s. 28(2), Sch. 4 para. 8(2)

Loitering or soliciting for purposes of prostitution N.I.

F26 59.  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Textual Amendments

F26 Art. 59 repealed (14.1.2015) by Human Trafficking and Exploitation (Criminal Justice and Support for Victims) Act (Northern Ireland) 2015 (c. 2), ss. 15(4), 28(2), Sch. 5

[F27 Soliciting N.I.

60.— (1) It is an offence for a person in a street or public place to solicit another (B) for the purpose of obtaining B's sexual services as a prostitute.

(2) The reference to a person in a street or public place includes a person in a vehicle in a street or public place.

(3) A person guilty of an offence under this Article shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.]

Textual Amendments

F27 Art. 60 substituted (1.4.2010) for arts. 60, 61 by Policing and Crime Act 2009 (c. 26), ss. 20, 116(1); S.I. 2010/507, art. 5(g) (subject to art. 6)

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Exploitation of prostitution N.I.

Causing or inciting prostitution for gain N.I.

62.—(1) A person commits an offence if—

(a) he intentionally causes or incites another person to become a prostitute in any part of the world, and

(b) he does so for or in the expectation of gain for himself or a third person.

(2) A person guilty of an offence under this Article 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 7 years.

Controlling prostitution for gain N.I.

63.—(1) A person commits an offence if—

(a) he intentionally controls any of the activities of another person relating to that person's prostitution in any part of the world, and

(b) he does so for or in the expectation of gain for himself or a third person.

(2) A person guilty of an offence under this Article 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 7 years.

Keeping a brothel used for prostitution N.I.

64.—(1) A person commits an offence if he keeps, manages, or acts or assists in the management of, a brothel to which people resort for practices involving prostitution (whether or not also for other practices).

(2) A person who commits an offence under this Article shall be 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 7 years.

(3) A conviction under this Article shall be taken into account under section 3 of the Criminal Law Amendment Act (Northern Ireland) 1923 (c. 8), in the same way as a conviction under section 13 of the Criminal Law Amendment Act 1885 (c. 69).

[F29 Paying for sexual services of a person N.I.

64A— (1) A person (A) commits an offence if A obtains sexual services from a person (B)in exchange for payment—

(a) if the payment is made or promised by A; or

(b) if the payment is made or promised by a third party and A knows or believes that the payment is made or promised by a third party.

(2) A person guilty of an offence under this Article 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 one year or a fine, or both.

(3)  In paragraph (1), “ payment ” means any financial advantage to B, or any person other than B, including the discharge of an obligation to pay or the provision of goods or services (other than sexual services)gratuitously or at a discount.

[F30 (4) No offence is committed under this Article unless the sexual services that are provided or are to be provided by B to A fall within paragraph (4A) or (4B).

(4A) Sexual services fall within this paragraph if they involve—

(a) B being physically in A’s presence,

(b) B touching A or A touching B, and

(c) the touching being sexual.

(4B) Sexual services fall within this paragraph if they involve—

(a) B being physically in A’s presence, and

(b) B touching B in a sexual manner for the sexual gratification of A.]

(5) B does not commit an offence by doing anything which (apart from this paragraph) would amount to—

(a) aiding, abetting, counselling or procuring the commission of an offence under this Article by A;

(b) conspiring with A to commit an offence under this Article; or

(c) an offence under Part 2 of the Serious Crime Act 2007 (encouraging or assisting offences) in relation to the commission of an offence under this Article by A.]

Textual Amendments

F29 Art. 64A substituted (1.6.2015) by Human Trafficking and Exploitation (Criminal Justice and Support for Victims) Act (Northern Ireland) 2015 (c. 2), ss. 15(5), 28(5)

F30 Art. 64A(4)-(4B) substituted for art. 64A(4) (27.11.2023) by Justice (Sexual Offences and Trafficking Victims) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 (c. 19), s. 30(2), Sch. 2 para. 10; S.R. 2023/188, art. 3(b)

PART 6 N.I. MISCELLANEOUS SEXUAL OFFENCES

Preparatory offences N.I.

Administering a substance with intent N.I.

65.—(1) A person commits an offence if he intentionally administers a substance to, or causes a substance to be taken by, another person (B)—

(a) knowing that B does not consent, and

(b) with the intention of stupefying or overpowering B, so as to enable any person to engage in a sexual activity that involves B.

(2) A person guilty of an offence under this Article 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.

Committing an offence with intent to commit a sexual offence N.I.

66.—(1) A person commits an offence under this Article if he commits any offence with the intention of committing a relevant sexual offence.

(2) In this Article “relevant sexual offence” means any offence under—

(a) this Order, F31 ...

F31 (b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

including an offence of aiding, abetting, counselling or procuring such an offence.

(3) A person guilty of an offence under this Article—

(a) where the offence is committed by kidnapping or false imprisonment, or

(b) where—

(i) the offence is committed by assault, and

(ii) the intended relevant sexual offence is an offence under Article 5 or 6,

is liable on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for life.

(4) Unless paragraph (3) applies, a person guilty of an offence under this Article 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.

Textual Amendments

F31 Art. 66(2)(b) and preceding word repealed (14.1.2015) by Human Trafficking and Exploitation (Criminal Justice and Support for Victims) Act (Northern Ireland) 2015 (c. 2), s. 28(2), Sch. 5

Trespass with intent to commit a sexual offence N.I.

67.—(1) A person commits an offence if—

(a) he is a trespasser on any premises,

(b) he intends to commit a relevant sexual offence on the premises, and

(c) he knows that, or is reckless as to whether, he is a trespasser.

(2) In this Article—

“premises” includes a structure or part of a structure;

“relevant sexual offence” has the same meaning as in Article 66;

“structure” includes a tent, vehicle or vessel or other temporary or movable structure.

(3) A person guilty of an offence under this Article is liable on conviction on indictment, where the intended relevant sexual offence is an offence under Article 5 or 6, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 14 years.

(4) Unless paragraph (3) applies, a person guilty of an offence under this Article 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.

Sex with an adult relative N.I.

Sex with an adult relative: penetration N.I.

68.—(1) A person aged 16 or over (A), subject to paragraph (4), commits an offence if—

(a) he intentionally penetrates another person's vagina or anus with a part of his body or anything else, or penetrates another person's mouth with his penis,

(b) the penetration is sexual,

(c) the other person (B) is aged 18 or over,

(d) A is related to B in a way mentioned in paragraph (2), and

(e) A knows or could reasonably be expected to know that he is related to B in that way.

(2) The ways that A may be related to B are as parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, brother, sister, half-brother, half-sister, uncle, aunt, nephew or niece.

(3) In paragraph (2)—

(a) “parent” includes an adoptive parent;

(b) “child” includes an adopted child within the meaning of Part 5 of the Adoption (Northern Ireland) Order 1987 (NI 22);

(c) “uncle” means the brother of a person's parent, and “aunt” has a corresponding meaning;

(d) “nephew” means the child of a person's brother or sister, and “niece” has a corresponding meaning.

(4) Where paragraph (1) applies in a case where A is related to B as B's child by virtue of paragraph (3)(b), A does not commit an offence under this Article unless A is 18 or over.

(5) Where in proceedings for an offence under this Article it is proved that the defendant was related to the other person in any of those ways, it is to be taken that the defendant knew or could reasonably be expected to know that he was related in that way unless sufficient evidence is adduced to raise an issue as to whether he knew or could reasonably have been expected to know that he was.

(6) A person guilty of an offence under this Article 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 2 years.

Sex with an adult relative: consenting to penetration N.I.

69.—(1) A person aged 16 or over (A), subject to paragraph (4), commits an offence if—

(a) another person (B) penetrates A's vagina or anus with a part of B's body or anything else, or penetrates A's mouth with B's penis,

(b) A consents to the penetration,

(c) the penetration is sexual,

(d) B is aged 18 or over,

(e) A is related to B in a way mentioned in paragraph (2), and

(f) A knows or could reasonably be expected to know that he is related to B in that way.

(2) The ways that A may be related to B are as parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, brother, sister, half-brother, half-sister, uncle, aunt, nephew or niece.

(3) In paragraph (2)—

(a) “parent” includes an adoptive parent;

(b) “child” includes an adopted child within the meaning of Part 5 of the Adoption (Northern Ireland) Order 1987 (NI 22);

(c) “uncle” means the brother of a person's parent, and “aunt” has a corresponding meaning;

(d) “nephew” means the child of a person's brother or sister, and “niece” has a corresponding meaning.

(4) Where paragraph (1) applies in a case where A is related to B as B's child by virtue of paragraph (3)(b), A does not commit an offence under this Article unless A is 18 or over.

(5) Where in proceedings for an offence under this Article it is proved that the defendant was related to the other person in any of those ways, it is to be taken that the defendant knew or could reasonably be expected to know that he was related in that way unless sufficient evidence is adduced to raise an issue as to whether he knew or could reasonably have been expected to know that he was.

(6) A person guilty of an offence under this Article 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 2 years.

Other offences N.I.

Exposure N.I.

70.—(1) A person commits an offence if—

(a) he intentionally exposes his genitals, and

(b) he intends that someone will see them and be caused alarm or distress.

(2) A person guilty of an offence under this Article 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 2 years.

Voyeurism N.I.

71.—(1) A person commits an offence if—

(a) for the purpose of obtaining sexual gratification, he observes another person doing a private act, and

(b) he knows that the other person does not consent to being observed for his sexual gratification.

(2) A person commits an offence if—

(a) he operates equipment with the intention of enabling another person to observe, for the purpose of obtaining sexual gratification, a third person (B) doing a private act, and

(b) he knows that B does not consent to his operating equipment with that intention.

(3) A person commits an offence if—

(a) he records another person (B) doing a private act, and

(b) he does so with the intention that he or a third person will, for the purpose of obtaining sexual gratification, look at an image of B doing the act, and

(c) he knows that B does not consent to his recording the act with that intention.

(4) A person commits an offence if he instals equipment, or constructs or adapts a structure or part of a structure, with the intention of enabling himself or another person to commit an offence under paragraph (1).

(5) A person guilty of an offence under this Article 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 2 years.

[F32 Voyeurism: additional offences (genitals and buttocks) N.I.

71A.— (1) A person (A) commits an offence if—

(a) A operates equipment beneath the clothing of another person (B),

(b) A does so with the intention of enabling A or another person (C) to observe—

(i) B’s genitals or buttocks (whether exposed or covered with underwear), or

(ii) the underwear covering B’s genitals or buttocks,

in circumstances where the genitals, buttocks or underwear would not otherwise be visible, and

(c) either condition 1 or condition 2 is met.

(2) Condition 1 is that—

(a) A operates the equipment with the intention of enabling the observation for the purpose of—

(i) obtaining sexual gratification (whether for A or C), or

(ii) humiliating, alarming or distressing B, and

(b) A does so—

(i) without B’s consent, and

(ii) without reasonably believing that B consents.

(3) Condition 2 is that—

(a) A operates the equipment with the intention of enabling the observation—

(i) without B’s consent, and

(ii) without reasonably believing that B consents,

(b) in so operating the equipment, A is reckless as to whether B is humiliated, alarmed or distressed, and

(c) B is humiliated, alarmed or distressed.

(4) A person (A) commits an offence if—

(a) A records an image beneath the clothing of another person (B),

(b) the image is of—

(i) B’s genitals or buttocks (whether exposed or covered with underwear), or

(ii) the underwear covering B’s genitals or buttocks,

in circumstances where the genitals, buttocks or underwear would not otherwise be visible, and

(c) either condition 3 or condition 4 is met.

(5) Condition 3 is that—

(a) A records the image with the intention that A or another person (C) will look at it for the purpose of—

(i) obtaining sexual gratification (whether for A or C), or

(ii) humiliating, alarming or distressing B, and

(b) A does so—

(i) without B’s consent, and

(ii) without reasonably believing that B consents.

(6) Condition 4 is that—

(a) A records the image with the intention that A or another person will look at it,

(b) A does so—

(i) without B’s consent, and

(ii) without reasonably believing that B consents,

(c) in so recording the image, A is reckless as to whether B is humiliated, alarmed or distressed, and

(d) B is humiliated, alarmed or distressed.

(7) Paragraph (8) applies where—

(a) B consents to the operation of equipment, or the recording of an image, for a particular purpose, and

(b) A operates the equipment, or records the image, for a different or additional purpose.

(8) Where this paragraph applies, then for the purposes of paragraph (3)(a) or paragraph (6)(b) (as the case may be)—

(a) B is to be taken as having not consented to the operation of the equipment or the recording of the image, and

(b) A is to be taken as having had a reasonable belief as to B’s consent only if A had a reasonable belief that B consented to the operation of the equipment, or the recording of the image, for the other purpose.

(9) A person guilty of an offence under this Article 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 2 years.

Textual Amendments

F32 Arts. 71A, 71B inserted (27.11.2023) by Justice (Sexual Offences and Trafficking Victims) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 (c. 19), ss. 1(2), 30(2); S.R. 2023/188, art. 3(a)

Voyeurism: additional offences (breasts) N.I.

71B.— (1) A person (A) commits an offence if—

(a) A operates equipment beneath or above the clothing of another person (B),

(b) A does so with the intention of enabling A or another person (C) to observe—

(i) B’s breasts (whether exposed or covered with underwear), or

(ii) the underwear covering B’s breasts,

in circumstances where the breasts or underwear would not otherwise be visible, and

(c) either condition 1 or condition 2 is met.

(2) Condition 1 is that—

(a) A operates the equipment with the intention of enabling the observation for the purpose of—

(i) obtaining sexual gratification (whether for A or C), or

(ii) humiliating, alarming or distressing B, and

(b) A does so—

(i) without B’s consent, and

(ii) without reasonably believing that B consents.

(3) Condition 2 is that—

(a) A operates the equipment with the intention of enabling the observation—

(i) without B’s consent, and

(ii) without reasonably believing that B consents,

(b) in so operating the equipment, A is reckless as to whether B is humiliated, alarmed or distressed, and

(c) B is humiliated, alarmed or distressed.

(4) A person (A) commits an offence if—

(a) A records an image beneath or above the clothing of another person (B),

(b) the image is of—

(i) B’s breasts (whether exposed or covered with underwear), or

(ii) the underwear covering B’s breasts,

in circumstances where the breasts or underwear would not otherwise be visible, and

(c) either condition 3 or condition 4 is met.

(5) Condition 3 is that—

(a) A records the image with the intention that A or another person (C) will look at it for the purpose of—

(i) obtaining sexual gratification (whether for A or C), or

(ii) humiliating, alarming or distressing B, and

(b) A does so—

(i) without B’s consent, and

(ii) without reasonably believing that B consents.

(6) Condition 4 is that—

(a) A records the image with the intention that A or another person will look at it,

(b) A does so—

(i) without B’s consent, and

(ii) without reasonably believing that B consents,

(c) in so recording the image, A is reckless as to whether B is humiliated, alarmed or distressed, and

(d) B is humiliated, alarmed or distressed.

(7) Paragraph (8) applies where—

(a) B consents to the operation of equipment, or the recording of an image, for a particular purpose, and

(b) A operates the equipment, or records the image, for a different or additional purpose.

(8) Where this paragraph applies, then for the purposes of paragraph (3)(a) or paragraph (6)(b) (as the case may be)—

(a) B is to be taken as having not consented to the operation of the equipment or the recording of the image, and

(b) A is to be taken as having had a reasonable belief as to B’s consent only if A had a reasonable belief that B consented to the operation of the equipment, or the recording of the image, for the other purpose.

(9) A person guilty of an offence under this Article 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 2 years.]

Textual Amendments

F32 Arts. 71A, 71B inserted (27.11.2023) by Justice (Sexual Offences and Trafficking Victims) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 (c. 19), ss. 1(2), 30(2); S.R. 2023/188, art. 3(a)

Voyeurism: interpretation N.I.

72.—(1) For the purposes of Article 71 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.

[F33 (1A) For the purposes of Articles 71, 71A and 71B operating equipment includes (in the case of equipment that is capable of activation) enabling or securing its activation by another person without that person’s knowledge.]

(2) In Article 71, “structure” includes a tent, vehicle or vessel or other temporary or movable structure.

Textual Amendments

F33 Art. 72(1A) inserted (27.11.2023) by Justice (Sexual Offences and Trafficking Victims) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 (c. 19), ss. 1(3), 30(2); S.R. 2023/188, art. 3(a)

[F34 Sending etc an unwanted sexual image N.I.

72A.— (1) A person (A) commits an offence if—

(a) A intentionally sends or gives to another person (B) a sexual image,

(b) A does so—

(i) without B’s consent, and

(ii) without reasonably believing that B consents, and

(c) either condition 1 or condition 2 is met.

(2) Condition 1 is that A intends that B will look at the image and that doing so will cause humiliation, alarm or distress to B.

(3) Condition 2 is that—

(a) A’s purpose in sending or giving the image is to obtain sexual gratification, and

(b) A is reckless as to whether B is humiliated, alarmed or distressed.

(4) For the purposes of this Article, a sexual image is a photograph or film of—

(a) any person engaging in a sexual activity, or

(b) any person’s genitals.

(5) In paragraph (4)—

“photograph” includes the negative as well as the positive version;

“film” means a moving image.

(6) References to a photograph or film also include—

(a) an image, whether made by computer graphics or in any other way, which appears to be a photograph or film,

(b) a copy of a photograph, film or image within sub-paragraph (a), and

(c) data stored by any means which is capable of conversion into a photograph, film or image within sub-paragraph (a).

(7) References to sending or giving such a photograph or film to another person include, in particular—

(a) sending it to another person by any means, electronically or otherwise,

(b) showing it to another person, and

(c) placing it for a particular person to find.

(8) A person guilty of an offence under this Article 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 2 years.]

Textual Amendments

F34 Art. 72A inserted (27.11.2023) by Justice (Sexual Offences and Trafficking Victims) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 (c. 19), ss. 2, 30(2); S.R. 2023/188, art. 3(a)

Intercourse with an animal N.I.

73.—(1) A person commits an offence if—

(a) he intentionally performs an act of penetration with his penis,

(b) what is penetrated is the vagina or anus of a living animal, and

(c) he knows that, or is reckless as to whether, that is what is penetrated.

(2) A person (A) commits an offence if—

(a) he intentionally causes, or allows, A's vagina or anus to be penetrated,

(b) the penetration is by the penis of a living animal, and

(c) A knows that, or is reckless as to whether, that is what A is being penetrated by.

(3) A person guilty of an offence under this Article 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 2 years.

Sexual penetration of a corpse N.I.

74.—(1) A person commits an offence if—

(a) he intentionally performs an act of penetration with [F35 a part of his body or anything else],

(b) what is penetrated is a part of the body of a dead person, and

(c) he knows that, or is reckless as to whether, that is what is penetrated, and

(d) the penetration is sexual.

(2) A person guilty of an offence under this Article 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 2 years.

Textual Amendments

F35 Words in art. 74(1)(a) substituted (5.7.2011) by Justice Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 (c. 24), ss. 110(1), 111(2)(c), Sch. 7 para. 15(1) (with s. 106(4))

Sexual activity in a public lavatory N.I.

75.—(1) A person commits an offence if—

(a) he is in a lavatory to which the public or a section of the public has or is permitted to have access, whether on payment or otherwise,

(b) he intentionally engages in an activity, and

(c) the activity is sexual.

(2) For the purposes of this Article, an activity is sexual if a reasonable person would, in all the circumstances but regardless of any person's purpose, consider it to be sexual.

(3) A person guilty of an offence under this Article is liable on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale or both.

PART 7 N.I. SUPPLEMENTARY AND GENERAL

Offences outside the United Kingdom N.I.

76.—(1) If—

(a) a United Kingdom national does an act in a country outside the United Kingdom, and

(b) the act, if done in Northern Ireland, would constitute a sexual offence to which this [F36 paragraph] applies,

that United Kingdom national is guilty in Northern Ireland of that sexual offence.

(2) If—

(a) a United Kingdom [F37 resident] does an act in a country outside the United Kingdom, and

(b) the act constitutes an offence under the law in force in that country, and

(c) the act, if done in Northern Ireland, would constitute a sexual offence to which this [F38 paragraph] applies,

that United Kingdom [F37 resident] is guilty in Northern Ireland of that sexual offence.

(3) If—

(a) a person does an act in a country outside the United Kingdom at a time when that person was not a United Kingdom national [F39 or a United Kingdom resident], and

(b) the act constituted an offence under the law in force in that country,

(c) the act, if done in Northern Ireland, would have constituted a sexual offence to which this [F40 paragraph] applies, and

(d) the person meets the residence or nationality condition at the relevant time,

proceedings may be brought against the person in Northern Ireland for that sexual offence as if that person had done the act in Northern Ireland.

(4) The person meets the residence or nationality condition at the relevant time if the person is a United Kingdom national or a United Kingdom resident at the time when the proceedings are brought.

(5) An act punishable under the law in force in any country constitutes an offence under that law for the purposes of paragraphs (2) and (3), however it is described in that law.

(6) The condition in paragraph (2)(b) or (3)(b) is to be taken to be met unless, not later than rules of court may provide, the defendant serves on the prosecution a notice—

(a) stating that, on the facts as alleged with respect to the act in question, the condition is not in the defendant's opinion met,

(b) showing the grounds for that opinion, and

(c) requiring the prosecution to prove that it is met.

(7) But the court, if it thinks fit, may permit the defendant to require the prosecution to prove that the condition is met without service of a notice under paragraph (6).

(8) In the Crown Court the question whether the condition is met is to be decided by the judge alone.

(9) In this Article—

“country” includes “territory”;

“rules of court” means—

(i)

in relation to proceedings in a magistrates' court, magistrates' court rules;

(ii)

in relation to proceedings in the Crown Court, Crown Court rules;

“United Kingdom national” means an individual who is—

(i)

a British citizen, a British overseas territories citizen, a British National (Overseas) or a British Overseas citizen;

(ii)

a person who under the British Nationality Act 1981 is a British subject; or

(iii)

a British protected person within the meaning of that Act;

“United Kingdom resident” means an individual who is resident in the United Kingdom.

(10) The sexual offences to which [F41 paragraphs (1), (2) and (3) apply] are—

(a) an offence under any provision of Part 3 (sexual offences against children) F42 ...;

(b) an offence under any provision of Part 2 or 4 where the victim of the offence was under 18 at the time of the offence;

(c) an offence under Article 65 where the victim of the offence was under 18 at the time of the offence;

(d) an offence under Article 66 or 67 where the intended offence was an offence against a person under 18;

(e) an offence under—

(i) Article 3(1)(a) of the Protection of Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1978 (NI 17) (indecent photographs of children), or

(ii) Article 15 of the Criminal Justice (Evidence Etc.) (Northern Ireland) Order 1988 (NI 17) (possession of indecent photograph of child).

[F43 (10A) Paragraphs (1) and (2) also apply to an offence under any provision of Part 2 where the victim of the offence was 18 or over at the time of the offence.]

(11) A reference in paragraph (10) [F44 or (10A)] to an offence includes—

(a) a reference to an attempt or conspiracy to commit that offence; and

(b) a reference to aiding and abetting, counselling or procuring the commission of that offence.

(12) A reference in paragraph (10) [F45 or (10A)] to an offence (“offence A”) includes a reference to an offence under Part 2 of the Serious Crime Act 2007 (c. 27) in relation to which offence A is the offence (or one of the offences) which the person intended or believed would be committed.

Textual Amendments

F36 Word in art. 76(1)(b) substituted (21.2.2022) by Domestic Abuse Act 2021 (c. 17), s. 90(6), Sch. 3 para. 8(a); S.R. 2022/52, art. 2(c)

F37 Word in art. 76(2) substituted (5.7.2011) by Justice Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 (c. 24), ss. 110(1), 111(2)(c), Sch. 7 para. 15(2)(a) (with s. 106(4))

F38 Word in art. 76(2)(c) substituted (21.2.2022) by Domestic Abuse Act 2021 (c. 17), s. 90(6), Sch. 3 para. 8(a); S.R. 2022/52, art. 2(c)

F39 Words in art. 76(3)(a) inserted (5.7.2011) by Justice Act (Northern Ireland) 2011 (c. 24), ss. 110(1), 111(2)(c), Sch. 7 para. 15(2)(b) (with s. 106(4))

F40 Word in art. 76(3)(c) substituted (21.2.2022) by Domestic Abuse Act 2021 (c. 17), s. 90(6), Sch. 3 para. 8(b); S.R. 2022/52, art. 2(c)

F41 Words in art. 76(10) substituted (21.2.2022) by Domestic Abuse Act 2021 (c. 17), s. 90(6), Sch. 3 para. 8(c); S.R. 2022/52, art. 2(c)

F42 Words in art. 76(10)(a) omitted (27.11.2023) by virtue of Justice (Sexual Offences and Trafficking Victims) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 (c. 19), s. 30(2), Sch. 2 para. 7; S.R. 2023/188, art. 3(b)

F43 Art. 76(10A) inserted (21.2.2022) by Domestic Abuse Act 2021 (c. 17), s. 90(6), Sch. 3 para. 8(d); S.R. 2022/52, art. 2(c)

F44 Words in art. 76(11) inserted (21.2.2022) by Domestic Abuse Act 2021 (c. 17), s. 90(6), Sch. 3 para. 8(e); S.R. 2022/52, art. 2(c)

F45 Words in art. 76(12) inserted (21.2.2022) by Domestic Abuse Act 2021 (c. 17), s. 90(6), Sch. 3 para. 8(e); S.R. 2022/52, art. 2(c)

Exceptions to aiding, abetting and counselling N.I.

77.—(1) A person is not guilty of aiding, abetting or counselling the commission against a child of an offence to which this Article applies if he acts for the purpose of—

(a) protecting the child from sexually transmitted infection,

(b) protecting the physical safety of the child,

(c) preventing the child from becoming pregnant, or

(d) promoting the child's emotional well-being by the giving of advice,

and not for the purpose of obtaining sexual gratification or for the purpose of causing or encouraging the activity constituting the offence or the child's participation in it.

(2) This Article applies to—

(a) an offence under any of Articles 12 to 14 (offences against children under 13);

(b) an offence under Article 16 (sexual activity with a child);

(c) an offence under Article 20 which would be an offence under Article 16 if the offender were aged 18;

(d) an offence under any of Articles 23, 32, 43, 47 and 51 (sexual activity) against a person under 16;

(3) This Article does not affect any other statutory provision or any rule of law restricting the circumstances in which a person is guilty of aiding, abetting or counselling an offence under this Order.

Amendments of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 N.I.

78.  The following provisions of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 (c. 42) cease to have effect—

(a) section 15 (meeting a child following sexual grooming etc.);

(b) sections 16 to 24 (abuse of position of trust);

(c) sections 47 to 51 (abuse of children through prostitution and pornography);

(d) sections 52 to 54 (exploitation of prostitution);

(e) sections 66 to 72 (other sexual offences, including offences outside the United Kingdom);

(f) sections 78 and 79 (interpretation of Part 1 of that Act).

Amendment of the Criminal Law Act (Northern Ireland) 1967 N.I.

79.—(1) The Criminal Law Act (Northern Ireland) 1967 (c. 18) is amended as follows.

(2) In section 4(1A) (which defines “relevant offence” for the purposes of the offence under section 4(1) of assisting an offender and the offence under section 5(1) of concealing an offence) after paragraph (b) insert—

“but in section 5(1) “relevant offence” does not include an offence under Article 20 of the Sexual Offences (Northern Ireland) Order 2008.”

[F46 Orders and regulations] N.I.

80.—(1) F47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F48 (2) Orders under this Order (except an order under Article 1(3)) shall be subject to negative resolution.]

(3) Orders made by the Secretary of State under this Order may contain—

(a) any incidental, supplementary or consequential provision, and

(b) any transitory, transitional or saving provisions,

which the Secretary of State considers necessary or expedient.

[F49 (4) Regulations under Article 28(1)(b) or 29A(4) may not be made unless a draft of them has been laid before and approved by a resolution of the Assembly.

(5) Regulations under this Order may include any incidental, supplementary, consequential, transitory, transitional or saving provision which the Department considers necessary or expedient.]

Textual Amendments

F46 Art. 80 heading substituted (27.11.2023) by Justice (Sexual Offences and Trafficking Victims) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 (c. 19), ss. 5(5)(a), 30(2); S.R. 2023/188, art. 3(a)

F47 Art. 80(1) omitted (12.4.2010) by virtue of Northern Ireland Act 1998 (Devolution of Policing and Justice Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/976), arts. 1(2), 4(3), Sch. 2 para. 29(2)(a) (with arts. 28-31); S.I. 2010/977, art. 1(2)

F48 Art. 80(2) substituted (12.4.2010) by Northern Ireland Act 1998 (Devolution of Policing and Justice Functions) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/976), arts. 1(2), 4(3), Sch. 2 para. 29(2)(b) (with arts. 28-31); S.I. 2010/977, art. 1(2)

F49 Art. 80(4)(5) inserted (27.11.2023) by Justice (Sexual Offences and Trafficking Victims) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022 (c. 19), ss. 5(5)(b), 30(2); S.R. 2023/188, art. 3(a)

Minor and consequential amendments N.I.

81.  Schedule 1 (which contains minor and consequential amendments) shall have effect.

Supplementary, consequential, transitional and transitory provision N.I.

82.—(1) Schedule 2 (which makes transitory and transitional provision) shall have effect.

(2) The Secretary of State may by order make—

(a) any supplementary, incidental or consequential provision, and

(b) any transitory, transitional or saving provision,

which the Secretary of State considers necessary or expedient for the purposes of, in consequence of, or for giving full effect to any provision of this Order.

(3) An order under paragraph (2) may, in particular—

(a) provide for any provision of this Order which comes into operation before another such provision has come into operation to have effect, until that other provision has come into operation, with such modifications as are specified in the order; and

(b) amend or repeal any statutory provision passed or made before the making of this Order.

(4) Nothing in this Article limits the power by virtue of Article 80 to include transitory, transitional or saving provision in an order under Article 1(3).

(5) The amendments that may be made under paragraph (3)(b) are in addition to those made by any other provision of this Order.

Repeals N.I.

83.  The statutory provisions listed in Schedule 3 are repealed to the extent set out in column 2 of that Schedule.

Judith Simpson

Clerk of the Privy Council