xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom"

Part 1E+W+N.I.Sexual Offences

RapeE+W

1RapeE+W

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

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

AssaultE+W

2Assault by penetrationE+W

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

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

3Sexual assaultE+W

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

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

(b)the touching is sexual,

(c)B does not consent to the touching, and

(d)A does not reasonably believe that B consents.

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

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

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

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

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

Causing sexual activity without consentE+W

4Causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consentE+W

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

(4)A person guilty of an offence under this section, 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 subsection (4) applies, a person guilty of an offence under this section is liable—

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

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

Rape and other offences against children under 13E+W

5Rape of a child under 13E+W

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

6Assault of a child under 13 by penetrationE+W

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

7Sexual assault of a child under 13E+W

(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 section is liable—

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

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

8Causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activityE+W

(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 section, 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 subsection (2) applies, a person guilty of an offence under this section is liable—

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

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

Child sex offencesE+W

9Sexual activity with a childE+W

(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 section, 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 subsection (2) applies, a person guilty of an offence under this section is liable—

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

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

10Causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activityE+W

(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 section, 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 subsection (2) applies, a person guilty of an offence under this section is liable—

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

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

11Engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a childE+W

(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 section is liable—

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

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

12Causing a child to watch a sexual actE+W

(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 section is liable—

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

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

13Child sex offences committed by children or young personsE+W

(1)A person under 18 commits an offence if he does anything which would be an offence under any of sections 9 to 12 if he were aged 18.

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

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

(b)on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years.

14Arranging or facilitating commission of a child sex offenceE+W

(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 sections [F15] to 13.

(2)A person does not commit an offence under this section 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 person to do, and

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

(3)For the purposes of subsection (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 subsection (1)(b) or the child’s participation in it.

(4)A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable [F2to the penalty to which the person would be liable on conviction of the offence within subsection (1)(b)].

15Meeting a child following sexual grooming etc.E+W

[F3(1)A person aged 18 or over (A) commits an offence if—

[F4(a)A has met or communicated with another person (B) [F5on one or more occasions] and subsequently—

(i)A intentionally meets B,

(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 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 subsection (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 Part,

(ii)F6. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(iii)anything done outside England and Wales F7. . . which is not an offence within sub-paragraph (i) F7. . . but would be an offence within sub-paragraph (i) if done in England and Wales.

(3)F8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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

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

(b)on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 10 years.]

[F915ASexual communication with a childE+W

(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 section, 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 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 section is liable—

(a)on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding [F10the general limit in a magistrates’ court] or a fine or both;

(b)on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years.]

Abuse of position of trustE+W

16Abuse of position of trust: sexual activity with a childE+W

[F11(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 subsection (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 subsection applies where A—

(a)is in a position of trust in relation to B by virtue of circumstances within section 21(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 section 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 section—

(a)it is proved that the defendant was in a position of trust in relation to the other person by virtue of circumstances within section 21(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 section is liable—

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

(b)on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years.]

Textual Amendments

17Abuse of position of trust: causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activityE+W

[F12(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 subsection (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 subsection applies where A—

(a)is in a position of trust in relation to B by virtue of circumstances within section 21(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 section 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 section—

(a)it is proved that the defendant was in a position of trust in relation to the other person by virtue of circumstances within section 21(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 section is liable—

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

(b)on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years.]

Textual Amendments

18Abuse of position of trust: sexual activity in the presence of a childE+W

[F13(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 subsection (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 subsection applies where A—

(a)is in a position of trust in relation to B by virtue of circumstances within section 21(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 section 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 section—

(a)it is proved that the defendant was in a position of trust in relation to the other person by virtue of circumstances within section 21(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 section is liable—

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

(b)on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years.]

Textual Amendments

19Abuse of position of trust: causing a child to watch a sexual actE+W

[F14(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 subsection (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 subsection applies where A—

(a)is in a position of trust in relation to B by virtue of circumstances within section 21(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 section 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 section—

(a)it is proved that the defendant was in a position of trust in relation to the other person by virtue of circumstances within section 21(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 section is liable—

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

(b)on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years.]

Textual Amendments

20Abuse of position of trust: acts done in ScotlandE+W

[F15Anything which, if done in England and Wales F16. . . , would constitute an offence under any of sections 16 to 19 also constitutes that offence if done in Scotland [F17or Northern Ireland].]

21Positions of trustE+W

[F18(1)For the purposes of sections 16 to 19, a person (A) is in a position of trust in relation to another person (B) if—

(a)any of the following subsections applies, or

(b)any condition specified in an order made by the Secretary of State is met.

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

(3)This subsection 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 [F19in accordance with section 22C(6)] of the Children Act 1989 (c. 41) [F20or section 81(6) of the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014] F21..., or

(b)accommodation is provided by a voluntary organisation under section 59(1) of [F22the Children Act 1989] F23...,

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

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

(a)a hospital,

(b)[F24in Wales,] an independent clinic,

(c)a care home, F25...

(d)a community home, voluntary home or children’s home, [F26or]

(e)a home provided under section 82(5) of the Children Act 1989, F27...

F28(f). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F29(g)a place in Wales at which a care home service is provided,]

[F30(h)premises in Wales at which a secure accommodation service is provided,]

and B is accommodated and cared for in that institution.

(5)This subsection 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.

F31(6). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(7)This subsection applies if A is engaged in the provision of services under, or pursuant to anything done under—

(a)sections 8 to 10 of the Employment and Training Act 1973 (c. 50), or

[F32(b)section 68, 70(1)(b) or 74 of the Education and Skills Act 2008,]

and, in that capacity, looks after B on an individual basis.

(8)This subsection applies if A regularly has unsupervised contact with B (whether face to face or by any other means)—

(a)in the exercise of functions of a local authority under section 20 or 21 of the Children Act 1989 (c. 41) [F33or section 76 or 77 of the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014], F34...

F34(b). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(9)This subsection applies if A, as a person who is to report to the court under section 7 of the Children Act 1989 F35... on matters relating to the welfare of B, regularly has unsupervised contact with B (whether face to face or by any other means).

(10)This subsection applies if A is a personal adviser appointed for B under—

(a)section 23B(2) of, or paragraph 19C of Schedule 2 to, the Children Act 1989, F36... [F37or]

[F38(aa)section 106(1) of the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 in respect of category 1 or 2 young persons within the meaning of that Act,]

F36(b). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

and, in that capacity, looks after B on an individual basis.

(11)This subsection 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.

(12)This subsection applies if A—

(a)is an officer of the Service [F39or Welsh family proceedings officer (within the meaning given by section 35 of the Children Act 2004)] appointed for B under section 41(1) of the Children Act 1989,

(b)is appointed a children’s guardian of B under rule 6 or rule 18 of the Adoption Rules 1984 (S.I. 1984/265), F40...

(c)is appointed to be the guardian ad litem of B under rule 9.5 of the Family Proceedings Rules 1991 (S. I. 1991/1247) F41..., [F42or]

[F43(d)is appointed to be the children’s guardian of B under rule 59 of the Family Procedure (Adoption) Rules 2005 (S.I. 2005/2795) or rule 16.3(1)(ii) or rule 16.4 of the Family Procedure Rules 2010 (S.I. 2010/2955),]

and, in that capacity, regularly has unsupervised contact with B (whether face to face or by any other means).

(13)This subsection applies if—

(a)B is subject to requirements imposed by or under an enactment 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

F19Words in s. 21(3)(a) substituted (E.W.) (1.4.2011 for E., 6.4.2016 for W.) by Children and Young Persons Act 2008 (c. 23), ss. 8(2), 44(4), Sch. 1 para. 15; S.I. 2010/2981, art. 4(a); S.I. 2016/452, art. 2(b)

F39Words in s. 21(12)(a) inserted (E.W.) (1.4.2005) by Children Act 2004 (c. 31), ss. 40, 67, Sch. 3 para. 18; S.I. 2005/700, art. 2(2)

22Positions of trust: interpretationE+W

[F44(1)The following provisions apply for the purposes of section 21.

(2)Subject to subsection (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 section 21—

[F61(6)The services referred to in paragraph (b)(i) of the definition of “hospital” are as follows—

(a)medical treatment under anaesthesia or intravenously administered sedation;

(b)dental treatment under general anaesthesia;

(c)obstetric services and, in connection with childbirth, medical services;

(d)termination of pregnancies;

(e)cosmetic surgery, other than—

(i)ear and body piercing;

(ii)tattooing;

(iii)the subcutaneous injection of a substance or substances into the skin for cosmetic purposes; or

(iv)the removal of hair roots or small blemishes on the skin by the application of heat using an electric current.]]

Textual Amendments

F45S. 22(5): paragraph (b) of the definition of "authority" omitted (2.2.2009) by virtue of The Sexual Offences (Northern Ireland Consequential Amendments) Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/1779), arts. 2(3), 7(a); S.R. 2008/510, art. 2

F48S. 22(5): paragraph (b) and word in paragraph (a) of the definition of "care order" omitted (2.2.2009) by virtue of The Sexual Offences (Northern Ireland Consequential Amendments) Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/1779), arts. 2(3), 7(b); S.R. 2008/510, art. 2

F50S. 22(5): paragraph (b) and word in paragraph (a) of the definition of "children's home" omitted (2.2.2009) by virtue of The Sexual Offences (Northern Ireland Consequential Amendments) Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/1779), arts. 2(3), 7(c); S.R. 2008/510, art. 2

F52S. 22(5): paragraph (b) and word in paragraph (a) of the definition of "education supervision order" omitted (2.2.2009) by virtue of The Sexual Offences (Northern Ireland Consequential Amendments) Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/1779), arts. 2(3), 7(d); S.R. 2008/510, art. 2

F54S. 22(5): words in definition of "independent clinic" omitted (1.10.2010) by virtue of The Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Consequential Amendments No.2) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/813), art. 13(3)(a)(ii)

F55S. 22(5): paragraph (b) of the definition of "independent clinic" omitted (2.2.2009) by virtue of The Sexual Offences (Northern Ireland Consequential Amendments) Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/1779), arts. 2(3), 7(f); S.R. 2008/510, art. 2

F56S. 22(5): definitions of "private hospital", "residential care home" and "residential family centre" omitted (2.2.2009) by virtue of The Sexual Offences (Northern Ireland Consequential Amendments) Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/1779), arts. 2(3), 7(g); S.R. 2008/510, art. 2

F58S. 22(5): paragraph (b) and word in paragraph (a) of the definition of "supervision order" omitted (2.2.2009) by virtue of The Sexual Offences (Northern Ireland Consequential Amendments) Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/1779), arts. 2(3), 7(h); S.R. 2008/510, art. 2

F60S. 22(5): paragraph (b) and word in paragraph (a) of the definition of "voluntary home" omitted (2.2.2009) by virtue of The Sexual Offences (Northern Ireland Consequential Amendments) Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/1779), arts. 2(3), 7(i); S.R. 2008/510, art. 2

[F6222AFurther positions of trustE+W

(1)For the purposes of sections 16 to 19, 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 they coach, teach, train, supervise or instruct B, on a regular basis, in that sport or religion.

(2)In subsection (1)—

(3)This section does not apply where a person (A) is in a position of trust in relation to another person (B) by virtue of circumstances within section 21.

(4)The Secretary of State may by regulations amend subsections (1) and (2) to add or remove an activity in which a person may be coached, taught, trained, supervised or instructed.]

23Sections 16 to 19: [F63exception for spouses and civil partners]E+W

[F64(1)Conduct by a person (A) which would otherwise be an offence under any of sections 16 to 19 against another person (B) is not an offence under that section if at the time —

(a)B is 16 or over, and

(b)A and B are lawfully married [F65or civil partners of each other].

(2)In proceedings for such an offence it is for the defendant to prove that A and B [F66were at the time lawfully married or civil partners of each other].]

Textual Amendments

F63S. 23: words in heading substituted (5.12.2005) by Civil Partnership Act 2004 (c. 33), ss. 261(1), 263, Sch. 27 para. 173(4); S.I. 2005/3175, art. 2(1)(2), Sch. 1 (subject to art. 2(3)-(5))

24Sections 16 to 19: sexual relationships which pre-date position of trustE+W

[F67(1)Conduct by a person (A) which would otherwise be an offence under any of sections 16 to 19 against another person (B) is not an offence under that section if, immediately before the position of trust arose, a sexual relationship existed between A and B.

(2)Subsection (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 sections 16 to 19 it is for the defendant to prove that such a relationship existed at that time.]

Textual Amendments

Familial child sex offencesE+W

25Sexual activity with a child family memberE+W

(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 section 27,

(d)A knows or could reasonably be expected to know that his relation to B is of a description falling within that section, 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 section 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 section it is proved that the relation of the defendant to the other person was of a description falling within section 27, 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 section, if aged 18 or over at the time of the offence, is liable—

(a)where subsection (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 subsection (4) applies, a person guilty of an offence under this section is liable—

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

(b)on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years.

(6)This subsection 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.

26Inciting a child family member to engage in sexual activityE+W

(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 section 27,

(d)A knows or could reasonably be expected to know that his relation to B is of a description falling within that section, 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 section 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 section it is proved that the relation of the defendant to the other person was of a description falling within section 27, 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 section, if he was aged 18 or over at the time of the offence, is liable—

(a)where subsection (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 subsection (4) applies, a person guilty of an offence under this section is liable—

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

(b)on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years.

(6)This subsection 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.

27Family relationshipsE+W

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

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

(b)it would be within one of those subsections but for [F68section 39 of the Adoption Act 1976 or] section 67 of the Adoption and Children Act 2002 (c. 38) (status conferred by adoption).

(2)The relation of A to B is within this subsection 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 subsection 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 subsection 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 section—

(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

[F69(i)he is a person with whom the child has been placed under section 22C of the Children Act 1989 in a placement falling within subsection (6)(a) or (b) of that section (placement with local authority foster parent),

(ia)he is a person with whom the child has been placed under section 59(1)(a) of that Act (placement by voluntary organisation),]

[F70(ib)he is a person with whom the child has been placed under section 81 of the Social Services and Well-being (Wales) Act 2014 in a placement falling within subsection (6)(a) or (b) of that section (placement with a local authority foster parent),]

(ii)he fosters the child privately, within the meaning given by section 66(1)(b) of that Act;

(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.

28Sections 25 and 26: [F71exception for spouses and civil partners]E+W

(1)Conduct by a person (A) which would otherwise be an offence under section 25 or 26 against another person (B) is not an offence under that section if at the time—

(a)B is 16 or over, and

(b)A and B are lawfully married [F72or civil partners of each other].

(2)In proceedings for such an offence it is for the defendant to prove that A and B [F73were at the time lawfully married or civil partners of each other].

Textual Amendments

F71S. 28: words in heading substituted (5.12.2005) by Civil Partnership Act 2004 (c. 33), ss. 261(1), 263, Sch. 27 para. 174(4); S.I. 2005/3175, art. 2(1)(2), Sch. 1 (subject to art. 2(3)-(5))

29Sections 25 and 26: sexual relationships which pre-date family relationshipsE+W

(1)Conduct by a person (A) which would otherwise be an offence under section 25 or 26 against another person (B) is not an offence under that section if—

(a)the relation of A to B is not within subsection (2) of section 27,

(b)it would not be within that subsection if [F74section 39 of the Adoption Act 1976 or] section 67 of the Adoption and Children Act 2002 (c. 38) did not apply, and

(c)immediately before the relation of A to B first became such as to fall within section 27, a sexual relationship existed between A and B.

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

(3)In proceedings for an offence under section 25 or 26 it is for the defendant to prove the matters mentioned in subsection (1)(a) to (c).

Textual Amendments

Offences against persons with a mental disorder impeding choiceE+W

30Sexual activity with a person with a mental disorder impeding choiceE+W

(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 section, 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 subsection (3) applies, a person guilty of an offence under this section is liable—

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

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

31Causing or inciting a person, with a mental disorder impeding choice, to engage in sexual activityE+W

(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 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 section, 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 subsection (3) applies, a person guilty of an offence under this section is liable—

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

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

32Engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a person with a mental disorder impeding choiceE+W

(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 section is liable—

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

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

33Causing a person, with a mental disorder impeding choice, to watch a sexual actE+W

(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 section is liable—

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

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

Inducements etc. to persons with a mental disorderE+W

34Inducement, threat or deception to procure sexual activity with a person with a mental disorderE+W

(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 section, 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 subsection (2) applies, a person guilty of an offence under this section is liable—

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

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

35Causing a person with a mental disorder to engage in or agree to engage in sexual activity by inducement, threat or deceptionE+W

(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 section, 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 subsection (2) applies, a person guilty of an offence under this section is liable—

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

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

36Engaging in sexual activity in the presence, procured by inducement, threat or deception, of a person with a mental disorderE+W

(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 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 section is liable—

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

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

37Causing a person with a mental disorder to watch a sexual act by inducement, threat or deceptionE+W

(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 section is liable—

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

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

Care workers for persons with a mental disorderE+W

38Care workers: sexual activity with a person with a mental disorderE+W

(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 section 42.

(2)Where in proceedings for an offence under this section 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 section, 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 subsection (3) applies, a person guilty of an offence under this section is liable—

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

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

39Care workers: causing or inciting sexual activityE+W

(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 section 42.

(2)Where in proceedings for an offence under this section 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 section, 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 subsection (3) applies, a person guilty of an offence under this section is liable—

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

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

40Care workers: sexual activity in the presence of a person with a mental disorderE+W

(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 section 42.

(2)Where in proceedings for an offence under this section 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 section is liable—

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

(b)on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 7 years.

41Care workers: causing a person with a mental disorder to watch a sexual actE+W

(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 section 42.

(2)Where in proceedings for an offence under this section 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 section is liable—

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

(b)on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 7 years.

42Care workers: interpretationE+W

(1)For the purposes of sections 38 to 41, a person (A) is involved in the care of another person (B) in a way that falls within this section if any of subsections (2) to (4) applies.

(2)This subsection applies if—

(a)B is accommodated and cared for in a care home, community home, voluntary home [F75, children’s home, or premises in Wales at which a secure accommodation service is provided], and

(b)A has functions to perform F76... in the course of employment [F77in the home or the premises] which have brought him or are likely to bring him into regular face to face contact with B.

[F78(3)This subsection applies if B is a patient for whom services are provided—

(a)by a National Health Service body or an independent medical agency;

(b)in an independent hospital; or

(c)in Wales, in an independent clinic,

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

(4)This subsection 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 section—

[F86(6)In subsection (5), in the definition of “independent medical agency”, “undertaking” includes any business or profession and—

(a)in relation to a public or local authority, includes the exercise of any functions of that authority; and

(b)in relation to any other body of persons, whether corporate or unincorporate, includes any of the activities of that body.]

Textual Amendments

F81S. 42(5): definitions of "independent clinic", "independent hospital" and "independent medical emergency" substituted (1.10.2010) by The Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Consequential Amendments No.2) Order 2010 (S.I. 2010/813), art. 13(4)(b)

F82S. 42(5): words in definition of "National Health Service body" substituted (1.4.2007) by The References to Health Authorities Order 2007 (S.I. 2007/961), art. 3, Sch. para. 33

F83S. 42(5) definition of “National Health Service body” paras. (ba), (bb) inserted (1.4.2013) by Health and Social Care Act 2012 (c. 7), s. 306(4), Sch. 5 para. 117(a); S.I. 2013/160, art. 2(2) (with arts. 7-9)

F84S. 42(5) definition of “National Health Service body” para. (c) omitted (1.4.2013) by virtue of Health and Social Care Act 2012 (c. 7), s. 306(4), Sch. 5 para. 117(b); S.I. 2013/160, art. 2(2) (with arts. 7-9)

43Sections 38 to 41: [F87exception for spouses and civil partners]E+W

(1)Conduct by a person (A) which would otherwise be an offence under any of sections 38 to 41 against another person (B) is not an offence under that section if at the time—

(a)B is 16 or over, and

(b)A and B are lawfully married [F88or civil partners of each other].

(2)In proceedings for such an offence it is for the defendant to prove that A and B [F89were at the time lawfully married or civil partners of each other].

Textual Amendments

F87S. 43: words in heading substituted (5.12.2005) by Civil Partnership Act 2004 (c. 33), ss. 261(1), 263, Sch. 27 para. 175(4); S.I. 2005/3175, art. 2(1)(2), Sch. 1 (subject to art. 2(3)-(5))

44Sections 38 to 41: sexual relationships which pre-date care relationshipsE+W

(1)Conduct by a person (A) which would otherwise be an offence under any of sections 38 to 41 against another person (B) is not an offence under that section if, immediately before A became involved in B’s care in a way that falls within section 42, a sexual relationship existed between A and B.

(2)Subsection (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 sections 38 to 41 it is for the defendant to prove that such a relationship existed at that time.

Indecent photographs of childrenE+W

45Indecent photographs of persons aged 16 or 17E+W

(1)The Protection of Children Act 1978 (c. 37) (which makes provision about indecent photographs of persons under 16) is amended as follows.

(2)In section 2(3) (evidence) and section 7(6) (meaning of “child”), for “16” substitute “ 18 ”.

(3)After section 1 insert—

1AMarriage and other relationships

(1)This section applies where, in proceedings for an offence under section 1(1)(a) of taking or making an indecent photograph of a child, or for an offence under section 1(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

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

(2)Subsections (5) and (6) also apply where, in proceedings for an offence under section 1(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

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

(3)This section 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 section 1(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 section 1(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 section 1(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.

(4)After section 160 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 (c. 33) (possession of indecent photograph of child) insert—

160AMarriage and other relationships

(1)This section applies where, in proceedings for an offence under section 160 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

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

(2)This section also applies where, in proceedings for an offence under section 160 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

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

(3)This section 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.

46Criminal proceedings, investigations etc.E+W+N.I.

(1)After section 1A of the Protection of Children Act 1978 (c. 37) insert—

1BException for criminal proceedings, investigations etc.

(1)In proceedings for an offence under section 1(1)(a) of making an indecent photograph or pseudo-photograph of a child, the defendant is not guilty of the offence if he proves that—

(a)it was necessary for him to make the photograph or pseudo-photograph for the purposes of the prevention, detection or investigation of crime, or for the purposes of criminal proceedings, in any part of the world,

(b)at the time of the offence charged he was a member of the Security Service, and it was necessary for him to make the photograph or pseudo-photograph for the exercise of any of the functions of the Service, or

(c)at the time of the offence charged he was a member of GCHQ, and it was necessary for him to make the photograph or pseudo-photograph for the exercise of any of the functions of GCHQ.

(2)In this section “GCHQ” has the same meaning as in the Intelligence Services Act 1994.

(2)After Article 3 of the Protection of Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1978 (S.I. 1978/1047 (N.I. 17)) insert—

3AException for criminal proceedings, investigations etc.

(1)In proceedings for an offence under Article 3(1)(a) of making an indecent photograph or pseudo-photograph of a child, the defendant is not guilty of the offence if he proves that—

(a)it was necessary for him to make the photograph or pseudo-photograph for the purposes of the prevention, detection or investigation of crime, or for the purposes of criminal proceedings, in any part of the world,

(b)at the time of the offence charged he was a member of the Security Service, and it was necessary for him to make the photograph or pseudo-photograph for the exercise of any of the functions of the Service, or

(c)at the time of the offence charged he was a member of GCHQ, and it was necessary for him to make the photograph or pseudo-photograph for the exercise of any of the functions of GCHQ.

(2)In this Article “GCHQ” has the same meaning as in the Intelligence Services Act 1994.

[F90Sexual exploitation of children] E+W

Textual Amendments

F90S. 47 cross-heading substituted (3.5.2015) by Serious Crime Act 2015 (c. 9), ss. 68(2), 88(1); S.I. 2015/820, reg. 2(l)

47Paying for sexual services of a childE+W

[F91(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 section, “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 section against a person under 13, where subsection (6) applies, is liable on conviction on indictment to imprisonment for life.

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

(a)where subsection (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 subsection (3) or (4) applies, a person guilty of an offence under this section is liable—

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

(b)on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 7 years.

(6)This subsection 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.

(7)F92. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .]

48Causing or inciting [F93sexual exploitation of a child]E+W

[F94(1)A person (A) commits an offence if—

(a)he intentionally causes or incites another person (B) [F95to be sexually exploited] in any part of the world, 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 section is liable—

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

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

Textual Amendments

F93Words in s. 48 heading substituted (3.5.2015) by Serious Crime Act 2015 (c. 9), ss. 68(3)(a), 88(1); S.I. 2015/820, reg. 2(l)

F95Words in s. 48(1)(a) substituted (3.5.2015) by Serious Crime Act 2015 (c. 9), ss. 68(3)(b), 88(1); S.I. 2015/820, reg. 2(l)

49Controlling a child [F96in relation to sexual exploitation]E+W

[F97(1)A person (A) commits an offence if—

(a)he intentionally controls any of the activities of another person (B) relating to B’s [F98sexual exploitation] in any part of the world, 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 section is liable—

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

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

Textual Amendments

F96Words in s. 49 heading substituted (3.5.2015) by Serious Crime Act 2015 (c. 9), ss. 68(4)(a), 88(1); S.I. 2015/820, reg. 2(l)

F98Words in s. 49(1)(a) substituted (3.5.2015) by Serious Crime Act 2015 (c. 9), ss. 68(4)(b), 88(1); S.I. 2015/820, reg. 2(l)

50Arranging or facilitating [F99sexual exploitation of a child]E+W

[F100(1)A person (A) commits an offence if—

(a)he intentionally arranges or facilitates the [F101sexual exploitation] in any part of the world of another person (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 section is liable—

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

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

Textual Amendments

F99Words in s. 50 heading substituted (3.5.2015) by Serious Crime Act 2015 (c. 9), ss. 68(5)(a), 88(1); S.I. 2015/820, reg. 2(l)

F101Words in s. 50(1)(a) substituted (3.5.2015) by Serious Crime Act 2015 (c. 9), ss. 68(5)(b), 88(1); S.I. 2015/820, reg. 2(l)

51Sections 48 to 50: interpretationE+W

F102[F103(1). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

[F104(2)For the purposes of sections 48 to 50, a person (B) is sexually exploited if—

(a)on at least one occasion and whether or not compelled to do so, B offers or provides sexual services to another person in return for payment or a promise of payment to B or a third person, or

(b)an indecent image of B is recorded [F105or streamed or otherwise transmitted] ;

and “sexual exploitation” is to be interpreted accordingly.]

(3)In subsection (2), “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

F102S. 51(1) omitted (3.5.2015) by virtue of Serious Crime Act 2015 (c. 9), ss. 68(6)(a), 88(1); S.I. 2015/820, reg. 2(l)

F105Words in s. 51(2)(b) inserted (E.W.) (31.1.2017 for specified purposes, 31.3.2017 in so far as not already in force) by Policing and Crime Act 2017 (c. 3), ss. 176, 183(5)(e), (6)(e)

[F106Prostitution]E+W

Textual Amendments

F106Heading "becomes "Prostitution"" (1.4.2010) by virtue of Policing and Crime Act 2009 (c. 26), ss. {19}, 116(1); S.I. 2010/507, art. 5(f) (with transitional and savings provision in art. 6)

[F10751ASolicitingE+W

(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 section is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.

(4)In this section “street” has the meaning given by section 1(4) of the Street Offences Act 1959.]

Textual Amendments

F107S. 51A inserted (1.4.2010) by Policing and Crime Act 2009, {ss. 19}, 116(1); S.I. 2010/507, art. 5(f) (with art. 6)

52Causing or inciting prostitution for gainE+W

[F108(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 section is liable—

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

(b)on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 7 years.]

53Controlling prostitution for gainE+W

[F109(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 section is liable—

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

(b)on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 7 years.]

[F11053APaying for sexual services of a prostitute subjected to force etc.E+W

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

(a)A makes or promises payment for the sexual services of a prostitute (B),

(b)a third person (C) has engaged in exploitative conduct of a kind likely to induce or encourage B to provide the sexual services for which A has made or promised payment, and

(c)C engaged in that conduct for or in the expectation of gain for C or another person (apart from A or B).

(2)The following are irrelevant—

(a)where in the world the sexual services are to be provided and whether those services are provided,

(b)whether A is, or ought to be, aware that C has engaged in exploitative conduct.

(3)C engages in exploitative conduct if—

(a)C uses force, threats (whether or not relating to violence) or any other form of coercion, or

(b)C practises any form of deception.

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

Textual Amendments

F110S. 53A inserted (1.4.2010) by Policing and Crime Act 2009, {ss. 14}, 116(1); S.I. 2010/507, art. 5(a) (subject to art. 6)

54[F111Sections 51A to 53A]: interpretationE+W

[F112(1)In [F113sections 52, 53 and 53A], “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.

[F114(2)In sections 51A, 52, 53 and 53A “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)In subsection (2) and section 53A, “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

F111S. 54 heading: words substituted (1.4.2010) by Policing and Crime Act 2009, ss. 112(1), 116(1), {Sch. 7 para. 24(d)}; S.I. 2010/507, art. 5(v) (with transitional and savings provision in art. 6)

F113Words in s. 54(1) substituted (1.4.2010) by Policing and Crime Act 2009, ss. 112(1), 116(1), {Sch. 7 para. 24(a)}; S.I. 2010/507, art. 5(v) (subject to art. 6)

Amendments relating to prostitutionE+W

55Penalties for keeping a brothel used for prostitutionE+W

(1)The Sexual Offences Act 1956 (c. 69) is amended as follows.

(2)After section 33 insert—

33AKeeping a brothel used for prostitution

(1)It is an offence for a person to keep, or to manage, or act or assist in the management of, a brothel to which people resort for practices involving prostitution (whether or not also for other practices).

(2)In this section “prostitution” has the meaning given by section 51(2) of the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

(3)In Schedule 2 (mode of prosecution, punishment etc.), after paragraph 33 insert (as a paragraph with no entry in the fourth column)—

33AKeeping a brothel used for prostitution (section 33A).

(i) on indictment

(ii) summarily

Seven years

Six months, or the statutory maximum, or both.

56Extension of gender-specific prostitution offencesE+W

Schedule 1 (extension of gender-specific prostitution offences) has effect.

TraffickingE+W+N.I.

F116[F11557Trafficking into the UK for sexual exploitationE+W+N.I.

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

F11758Trafficking within the UK for sexual exploitationE+W+N.I.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .]

F119[F11858A]Trafficking outside the UK for sexual exploitationN.I.

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

F120[F11559Trafficking out of the UK for sexual exploitationE+W+N.I.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .]

F12159ATrafficking people for sexual exploitationE+W

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

Textual Amendments

F121Ss. 59A-60C omitted (E.W.) (31.7.2015) by virtue of Modern Slavery Act 2015 (c. 30), s. 61(1), Sch. 5 para. 5(2); S.I. 2015/1476, reg. 2(j) (with regs. 3 6-8)

F123F12160[F122Sections 57 to 59: interpretation and jurisdiction] [F122Section 59A: interpretation]E+W+N.I.

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

F125F121[F12460AForfeiture of land vehicle, ship or aircraftE+W+N.I.

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

F126F12160BDetention of land vehicle, ship or aircraftE+W+N.I.

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

F127F12160CSections 60A and 60B: interpretationE+W+N.I.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .]

Preparatory offencesE+W

61Administering a substance with intentE+W

(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 section is liable—

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

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

62Committing an offence with intent to commit a sexual offenceE+W

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

(2)In this section, “relevant sexual offence” means any offence under this Part (including an offence of aiding, abetting, counselling or procuring such an offence).

(3)A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable on conviction on indictment, where the offence is committed by kidnapping or false imprisonment, to imprisonment for life.

(4)Unless subsection (3) applies, a person guilty of an offence under this section is liable—

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

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

63Trespass with intent to commit a sexual offenceE+W

(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 section—

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

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

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

Sex with an adult relativeE+W

64Sex with an adult relative: penetrationE+W

(1)A person aged 16 or over (A) [F128(subject to subsection (3A))] 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 subsection (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 subsection (2)—

[F129(za)parent” includes an adoptive parent;

(zb)child” includes an adopted person within the meaning of Chapter 4 of Part 1 of the Adoption and Children Act 2002;]

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

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

[F130(3A)Where subsection (1) applies in a case where A is related to B as B's child by virtue of subsection (3)(zb), A does not commit an offence under this section unless A is 18 or over.]

(4)Where in proceedings for an offence under this section 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 have been 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.

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

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

(b)on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years.

[F131(6)Nothing in—

(a)section 47 of the Adoption Act 1976 (which disapplies the status provisions in section 39 of that Act for the purposes of this section in relation to adoptions before 30 December 2005), or

(b)section 74 of the Adoption and Children Act 2002 (which disapplies the status provisions in section 67 of that Act for those purposes in relation to adoptions on or after that date),

is to be read as preventing the application of section 39 of the Adoption Act 1976 or section 67 of the Adoption and Children Act 2002 for the purposes of subsection (3)(za) and (zb) above.]

65Sex with an adult relative: consenting to penetrationE+W

(1)A person aged 16 or over (A) [F132(subject to subsection (3A))] 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 subsection (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 subsection (2)—

[F133(za)parent” includes an adoptive parent;

(zb)child” includes an adopted person within the meaning of Chapter 4 of Part 1 of the Adoption and Children Act 2002;]

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

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

[F134(3A)Where subsection (1) applies in a case where A is related to B as B's child by virtue of subsection (3)(zb), A does not commit an offence under this section unless A is 18 or over.]

(4)Where in proceedings for an offence under this section 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 have been 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.

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

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

(b)on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years.

[F135(6)Nothing in—

(a)section 47 of the Adoption Act 1976 (which disapplies the status provisions in section 39 of that Act for the purposes of this section in relation to adoptions before 30 December 2005), or

(b)section 74 of the Adoption and Children Act 2002 (which disapplies the status provisions in section 67 of that Act for those purposes in relation to adoptions on or after that date),

is to be read as preventing the application of section 39 of the Adoption Act 1976 or section 67 of the Adoption and Children Act 2002 for the purposes of subsection (3)(za) and (zb) above.]

Other offencesE+W

66ExposureE+W

[F136(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 section is liable—

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

(b)on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years.]

Textual Amendments

[F13766ASending etc photograph or film of genitalsE+W

(1)A person (A) who intentionally sends or gives a photograph or film of any person’s genitals to another person (B) commits an offence if—

(a)A intends that B will see the genitals and be caused alarm, distress or humiliation, or

(b)A sends or gives such a photograph or film for the purpose of obtaining sexual gratification and is reckless as to whether B will be caused alarm, distress or humiliation.

(2)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.

(3)Photograph” includes the negative as well as the positive version.

(4)Film” means a moving image.

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

(a)an image, whether made or altered 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 paragraph (a), and

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

(6)A person who commits an offence under this section is liable—

(a)on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding the general limit in a magistrates’ court or a fine (or both);

(b)on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding two years.]

Textual Amendments

[F13866BSharing or threatening to share intimate photograph or filmE+W

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

(a)A intentionally shares a photograph or film which shows, or appears to show, another person (B) in an intimate state,

(b)B does not consent to the sharing of the photograph or film, and

(c)A does not reasonably believe that B consents.

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

(a)A intentionally shares a photograph or film which shows, or appears to show, another person (B) in an intimate state,

(b)A does so with the intention of causing B alarm, distress or humiliation, and

(c)B does not consent to the sharing of the photograph or film.

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

(a)A intentionally shares a photograph or film which shows, or appears to show, another person (B) in an intimate state,

(b)A does so for the purpose of A or another person obtaining sexual gratification,

(c)B does not consent to the sharing of the photograph or film, and

(d)A does not reasonably believe that B consents.

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

(a)A threatens to share a photograph or film which shows, or appears to show, another person (B) in an intimate state, and

(b)A does so—

(i)with the intention that B or another person who knows B will fear that the threat will be carried out, or

(ii)being reckless as to whether B or another person who knows B will fear that the threat will be carried out.

(5)Subsections (1) to (4) are subject to section 66C (exemptions).

(6)For the purposes of subsections (1) to (3) and section 66C(3)(b)—

(a)“consent” to the sharing of a photograph or film includes general consent covering the particular act of sharing as well as specific consent to the particular act of sharing, and

(b)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.

(7)Where a person is charged with an offence under subsection (4), it is not necessary for the prosecution to prove—

(a)that the photograph or film mentioned in the threat exists, or

(b)if it does exist, that it is in fact a photograph or film which shows or appears to show a person in an intimate state.

(8)It is a defence for a person charged with an offence under subsection (1) to prove that the person had a reasonable excuse for sharing the photograph or film.

(9)A person who commits an offence under subsection (1) is liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding the maximum term for summary offences or a fine (or both).

(10)A person who commits an offence under subsection (2), (3) or (4) is liable—

(a)on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding the general limit in a magistrates’ court or a fine (or both);

(b)on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years.

(11)In subsection (9) “the maximum term for summary offences” means—

(a)if the offence is committed before the time when section 281(5) of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 comes into force, six months;

(b)if the offence is committed after that time, 51 weeks.

(12)If on the trial of a person charged with an offence under subsection (2) or (3) a magistrates’ court or jury finds the person not guilty of the offence charged, the magistrates’ court or jury may find the person guilty of an offence under subsection (1).

(13)The Crown Court has the same powers and duties in relation to a person who is by virtue of subsection (12) convicted before it of an offence under subsection (1) as a magistrates’ court would have on convicting the person of the offence.

Textual Amendments

66CSharing or threatening to share intimate photograph or film: exemptionsE+W

(1)A person (A) who shares a photograph or film which shows, or appears to show, another person (B) in an intimate state does not commit an offence under section 66B(1), (2) or (3) if—

(a)the photograph or film was taken in a place to which the public or a section of the public had or were permitted to have access (whether on payment or otherwise),

(b)B had no reasonable expectation of privacy from the photograph or film being taken, and

(c)B was, or A reasonably believes that B was, in the intimate state voluntarily.

(2)For the purposes of subsection (1)(b), whether a person had a reasonable expectation of privacy from a photograph or film being taken is to be determined by reference to the circumstances that the person sharing the photograph or film reasonably believes to have existed at the time the photograph or film was taken.

(3)A person (A) who shares a photograph or film which shows, or appears to show, another person (B) in an intimate state does not commit an offence under section 66B(1), (2) or (3) if—

(a)the photograph or film had, or A reasonably believes that the photograph or film had, been previously publicly shared, and

(b)B had, or A reasonably believes that B had, consented to the previous sharing.

(4)A person (A) who shares a photograph or film which shows, or appears to show, another person (B) in an intimate state does not commit an offence under section 66B(1) if—

(a)B is a person under 16,

(b)B lacks, or A reasonably believes that B lacks, capacity to consent to the sharing of the photograph or film, and

(c)the photograph or film is shared—

(i)with a healthcare professional acting in that capacity, or

(ii)otherwise in connection with the care or treatment of B by a healthcare professional.

(5)A person who shares a photograph or film which shows, or appears to show, a child in an intimate state does not commit an offence under section 66B(1) if the photograph or film is of a kind ordinarily shared between family and friends.

(6)A person who threatens to share a photograph or film which shows, or appears to show, another person in an intimate state does not commit an offence under section 66B(4) if, by reason of this section, the person would not commit an offence under section 66B(1), (2) or (3) by sharing the photograph or film in the circumstances conveyed by the threat.

Textual Amendments

66DSharing or threatening to share intimate photograph or film: interpretationE+W

(1)This section applies for the purposes of sections 66B and 66C.

(2)A person “shares” something if the person, by any means, gives or shows it to another person or makes it available to another person.

(3)But a provider of an internet service by means of which a photograph or film is shared is not to be regarded as a person who shares it.

(4)Photograph” and “film” have the same meaning as in section 66A (see subsections (3) to (5) of that section).

(5)Except where a photograph or film falls within subsection (8), a photograph or film shows, or appears to show, another person in an intimate state if it shows or appears to show—

(a)the person participating or engaging in an act which a reasonable person would consider to be a sexual act,

(b)the person doing a thing which a reasonable person would consider to be sexual,

(c)all or part of the person’s exposed genitals, buttocks or breasts,

(d)the person in an act of urination or defecation, or

(e)the person carrying out an act of personal care associated with the person’s urination, defecation or genital or anal discharge.

(6)For the purposes of subsection (5)(c) the reference to all or part of a person’s “exposed” genitals, buttocks or breasts includes—

(a)a reference to all or part of the person’s genitals, buttocks or breasts visible through wet or otherwise transparent clothing,

(b)the case where all or part of the person’s genitals, buttocks or breasts would be exposed but for the fact that they are covered only with underwear, and

(c)the case where all or part of the person’s genitals, buttocks or breasts would be exposed but for the fact that they are obscured, provided that the area obscured is similar to or smaller than an area that would typically be covered by underwear worn to cover a person’s genitals, buttocks or breasts (as the case may be).

(7)In subsection (6)(c) “obscured” means obscured by any means, other than by clothing that a person is wearing, including, in particular, by an object, by part of a person’s body or by digital alteration.

(8)A photograph or film falls within this subsection if (so far as it shows or appears to show a person in an intimate state) it shows or appears to show something, other than breastfeeding, that is of a kind ordinarily seen in public.

(9)For the purposes of subsection (8) “breastfeeding” includes the rearranging of clothing in the course of preparing to breastfeed or having just finished breastfeeding.]

Textual Amendments

67VoyeurismE+W

[F139(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,

(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 subsection (1).

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

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

(b)on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years.]

Textual Amendments

[F14067AVoyeurism: additional offencesE+W

(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), for a purpose mentioned in subsection (3), 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)A does so—

(i)without B's consent, and

(ii)without reasonably believing that B consents.

(2)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,

(c)A does so with the intention that A or another person (C) will look at the image for a purpose mentioned in subsection (3), and

(d)A does so—

(i)without B's consent, and

(ii)without reasonably believing that B consents.

[F141(2A)A person (A) commits an offence if—

(a)A operates equipment,

(b)A does so with the intention of enabling A or another person (C), for a purpose mentioned in subsection (3), to observe another (B) while B is breast-feeding a child, and

(c)A does so—

(i)without B’s consent, and

(ii)without reasonably believing that B consents.

(2B)A person (A) commits an offence if—

(a)A records an image of another (B) while B is breast-feeding a child,

(b)A does so with the intention that A or another person (C) will look at the image for a purpose mentioned in subsection (3), and

(c)A does so—

(i)without B’s consent, and

(ii)without reasonably believing that B consents.]

(3)The purposes referred to in subsections (1) [F142to (2B)] are—

(a)obtaining sexual gratification (whether for A or C);

(b)humiliating, alarming or distressing B.

[F143(3A)In this section a reference to B breast-feeding a child includes B re-arranging B’s clothing—

(a)in the course of preparing to breast-feed the child, or

(b)having just finished breast-feeding the child.

(3B)It is irrelevant for the purposes of subsections (2A) and (2B)—

(a)whether or not B is in a public place while B is breast-feeding the child,

(b)whether or not B’s breasts are exposed while B is breast-feeding the child, and

(c)what part of B’s body—

(i)is, or is intended by A to be, visible in the recorded image, or

(ii)is intended by A to be observed.]

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

(a)on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding [F144the general limit in a magistrates’ court], or to a fine, or to both;

(b)on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years.

(5)In relation to an offence committed before [F1452 May 2022], the reference in subsection (4)(a) to [F146the general limit in a magistrates’ court] is to be read as a reference to 6 months.]

68Voyeurism: interpretationE+W

[F147(1)For the purposes of section 67, 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.

[F148(1A)For the purposes of sections 67 and 67A, operating equipment includes enabling or securing its activation by another person without that person's knowledge.]

(2)In section 67, “structure” includes a tent, vehicle or vessel or other temporary or movable structure.]

Textual Amendments

F148S. 68(1A) inserted (12.4.2019) by Voyeurism (Offences) Act 2019 (c. 2), ss. 1(3), 2(2)

69Intercourse with an animalE+W

[F149(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)A 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 section is liable—

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

(b)on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years.]

Textual Amendments

70Sexual penetration of a corpseE+W

[F150(1)A person commits an offence if—

(a)he intentionally performs an act of penetration with a part of his body or anything else,

(b)what is penetrated is a part of the body of a dead person,

(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 section is liable—

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

(b)on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years.]

Textual Amendments

71Sexual activity in a public lavatoryE+W

[F151(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 section, 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 section 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.]

Textual Amendments

Offences outside the United KingdomE+W

[F15272Offences outside the United KingdomE+W

[F153(1)If—

(a)a United Kingdom national does an act in a country outside the United Kingdom, and

(b)the act, if done in England and Wales F154..., would constitute a sexual offence to which this [F155subsection] applies,

the United Kingdom national is guilty in [F156England and Wales] of that sexual offence.

(2)If—

(a)a United Kingdom resident does an act in a country outside the United Kingdom,

(b)the act constitutes an offence under the law in force in that country, and

(c)the act, if done in England and Wales F157..., would constitute a sexual offence to which this [F158subsection] applies,

the United Kingdom resident is guilty in [F159England and Wales] of that sexual offence.

(3)If—

(a)a person does an act in a country outside the United Kingdom at a time when the person was not a United Kingdom national or a United Kingdom resident,

(b)the act constituted an offence under the law in force in that country,

(c)the act, if done in England and Wales F160..., would have constituted a sexual offence to which this [F161subsection] applies, and

(d)the person meets the residence or nationality condition at the relevant time,

proceedings may be brought against the person in [F162England and Wales] for that sexual offence as if the person had done the act there.

(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 subsections (2) and (3) however it is described in that law.

(6)The condition in subsection (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 subsection (6).

(8)In the Crown Court the question whether the condition is met is to be decided by the judge alone.

(9)In this section—

(10)Schedule 2 lists the sexual offences to which [F163subsections (1) to (3) apply].]]

Textual Amendments

F155Word in s. 72(1)(b) substituted (29.6.2021) by Domestic Abuse Act 2021 (c. 17), s. 90(2), Sch. 3 para. 2(2)(a)

F158Word in s. 72(2)(c) substituted (29.6.2021) by Domestic Abuse Act 2021 (c. 17), s. 90(2), Sch. 3 para. 2(2)(a)

F161Word in s. 72(3)(c) substituted (29.6.2021) by Domestic Abuse Act 2021 (c. 17), s. 90(2), Sch. 3 para. 2(2)(b)

F163Words in s. 72(10) substituted (29.6.2021) by Domestic Abuse Act 2021 (c. 17), s. 90(2), Sch. 3 para. 2(2)(c)

Supplementary and generalE+W

73Exceptions to aiding, abetting and counsellingE+W

(1)A person is not guilty of aiding, abetting or counselling the commission against a child of an offence to which this section 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 section applies to—

(a)an offence under any of sections 5 to 7 (offences against children under 13);

(b)an offence under section 9 (sexual activity with a child);

(c)an offence under section 13 which would be an offence under section 9 if the offender were aged 18;

(d)an offence under any of sections 16, 25, 30, 34 and 38 (sexual activity) against a person under 16.

(3)This section does not affect any other enactment or any rule of law restricting the circumstances in which a person is guilty of aiding, abetting or counselling an offence under this Part.

74“Consent”E+W

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

75Evidential presumptions about consentE+W

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

(a)that the defendant did the relevant act,

(b)that any of the circumstances specified in subsection (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 subsection (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.

76Conclusive presumptions about consentE+W

(1)If in proceedings for an offence to which this section applies it is proved that the defendant did the relevant act and that any of the circumstances specified in subsection (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 that—

(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.

77Sections 75 and 76: relevant actsE+W

In relation to an offence to which sections 75 and 76 apply, references in those sections to the relevant act and to the complainant are to be read as follows—

OffenceRelevant Act
An offence under section 1 (rape).The defendant intentionally penetrating, with his penis, the vagina, anus or mouth of another person (“the complainant”).
An offence under section 2 (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 section 3 (sexual assault).The defendant intentionally touching another person (“the complainant”), where the touching is sexual.
An offence under section 4 (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.

78“Sexual”E+W

[F164For the purposes of this Part ([F165except sections 15A [F166, 66B to 66D] and 71 ]), 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.]

79Part 1: general interpretationE+W

[F167(1)The following apply for the purposes of this Part.

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

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

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

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

(6)Mental disorder” has the meaning given by section 1 of the Mental Health Act 1983 (c. 20).

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

(8)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.

(9)Vagina” includes vulva.

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

Part 2U.K.Notification and orders

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C5Pt. 2 applied (with modifications) (1.12.2020) by Sentencing Act 2020 (c. 17), ss. 352(2)(b)(3), 416(1) (with ss. 2, 398(1), 406, Sch. 27); S.I. 2020/1236, reg. 2

Notification requirementsU.K.

80Persons becoming subject to notification requirementsU.K.

(1)A person is subject to the notification requirements of this Part for the period set out in section 82 (“the notification period”) if—

(a)he is convicted of an offence listed in Schedule 3;

(b)he is found not guilty of such an offence by reason of insanity;

(c)he is found to be under a disability and to have done the act charged against him in respect of such an offence; or

(d)in England and Wales or Northern Ireland, he is cautioned in respect of such an offence.

(2)A person for the time being subject to the notification requirements of this Part is referred to in this Part as a “relevant offender”.

81Persons formerly subject to Part 1 of the Sex Offenders Act 1997U.K.

(1)A person is, from the commencement of this Part until the end of the notification period, subject to the notification requirements of this Part if, before the commencement of this Part—

(a)he was convicted of an offence listed in Schedule 3;

(b)he was found not guilty of such an offence by reason of insanity;

(c)he was found to be under a disability and to have done the act charged against him in respect of such an offence; or

(d)in England and Wales or Northern Ireland, he was cautioned in respect of such an offence.

(2)Subsection (1) does not apply if the notification period ended before the commencement of this Part.

(3)Subsection (1)(a) does not apply to a conviction before 1st September 1997 unless, at the beginning of that day, the person—

(a)had not been dealt with in respect of the offence;

(b)was serving a sentence of imprisonment F168. . . , or was subject to a community order, in respect of the offence;

(c)was subject to supervision, having been released from prison after serving the whole or part of a sentence of imprisonment in respect of the offence; or

(d)was detained in a hospital or was subject to a guardianship order, following the conviction.

(4)Paragraphs (b) and (c) of subsection (1) do not apply to a finding made before 1st September 1997 unless, at the beginning of that day, the person—

(a)had not been dealt with in respect of the finding; or

(b)was detained in a hospital, following the finding.

(5)Subsection (1)(d) does not apply to a caution given before 1st September 1997.

(6)A person who would have been within subsection (3)(b) or (d) or (4)(b) but for the fact that at the beginning of 1st September 1997 he was unlawfully at large or absent without leave, on temporary release or leave of absence, or on bail pending an appeal, is to be treated as being within that provision.

(7)Where, immediately before the commencement of this Part, an order under a provision within subsection (8) was in force in respect of a person, the person is subject to the notification requirements of this Part from that commencement until the order is discharged or otherwise ceases to have effect.

(8)The provisions are—

(a)section 5A of the Sex Offenders Act 1997 (c. 51) (restraining orders);

(b)section 2 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 (c. 37) (sex offender orders made in England and Wales);

(c)section 2A of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 (interim orders made in England and Wales);

(d)section 20 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 (sex offender orders and interim orders made in Scotland);

(e)Article 6 of the Criminal Justice (Northern Ireland) Order 1998 (S.I. 1998/2839 (N.I. 20)) (sex offender orders made in Northern Ireland);

(f)Article 6A of the Criminal Justice (Northern Ireland) Order 1998 (interim orders made in Northern Ireland).

Textual Amendments

F168S. 81(3)(b) repealed (28.3.2009 for certain purposes and otherwise 31.10.2009) by Armed Forces Act 2006 (c. 52), ss. 378, 383(2), Sch. 16 para. 206, Sch. 17; S.I. 2009/812, art. 3 (with transitional provisions in S.I. 2009/1059); S.I. 2009/1167, art. 4

82The notification periodU.K.

(1)The notification period for a person within section 80(1) or 81(1) is the period in the second column of the following Table opposite the description that applies to him.

TABLE
Description of relevant offenderNotification period
A person who, in respect of the offence, is or has been sentenced to imprisonment for life [F169, to imprisonment for public protection under section 225 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 [F170, to an indeterminate custodial sentence under Article 13(4)(a) of the Criminal Justice (Northern Ireland) Order 2008] or to imprisonment for] a term of 30 months or moreAn indefinite period beginning with the relevant date
A person who, in respect of the offence, has been made the subject of an order under section 210F(1) of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 (order for lifelong restriction)An indefinite period beginning with that date
A person who, in respect of the offence or finding, is or has been admitted to a hospital subject to a restriction orderAn indefinite period beginning with that date
A person who, in respect of the offence, is or has been sentenced to imprisonment for a term of more than 6 months but less than 30 months10 years beginning with that date
A person who, in respect of the offence, is or has been sentenced to imprisonment for a term of 6 months or less7 years beginning with that date
A person who, in respect of the offence or finding, is or has been admitted to a hospital without being subject to a restriction order7 years beginning with that date
A person within section 80(1)(d)2 years beginning with that date
A person in whose case an order for conditional discharge or, in Scotland, [F171a community payback order imposing an offender supervision requirement], is made in respect of the offenceThe period of conditional discharge or, in Scotland, [F172the specified period for the offender supervision requirement]
A person of any other description5 years beginning with the relevant date

(2)Where a person is under 18 on the relevant date, subsection (1) has effect as if for any reference to a period of 10 years, 7 years, 5 years or 2 years there were substituted a reference to one-half of that period.

(3)Subsection (4) applies where a relevant offender within section 80(1)(a) or 81(1)(a) is or has been sentenced, in respect of two or more offences listed in Schedule 3—

(a)to consecutive terms of imprisonment; or

(b)to terms of imprisonment which are partly concurrent.

(4)Where this subsection applies, subsection (1) has effect as if the relevant offender were or had been sentenced, in respect of each of the offences, to a term of imprisonment which —

(a)in the case of consecutive terms, is equal to the aggregate of those terms;

(b)in the case of partly concurrent terms (X and Y, which overlap for a period Z), is equal to X plus Y minus Z.

(5)Where a relevant offender the subject of a finding within section 80(1)(c) or 81(1)(c) is subsequently tried for the offence, the notification period relating to the finding ends at the conclusion of the trial.

(6)In this Part, “relevant date” means—

(a)in the case of a person within section 80(1)(a) or 81(1)(a), the date of the conviction;

(b)in the case of a person within section 80(1)(b) or (c) or 81(1)(b) or (c), the date of the finding;

(c)in the case of a person within section 80(1)(d) or 81(1)(d), the date of the caution;

(d)in the case of a person within section 81(7), the date which, for the purposes of Part 1 of the Sex Offenders Act 1997 (c. 51), was the relevant date in relation to that person.

[F173(7)Schedule 3A (which provides for the review and discharge of indefinite notification requirements) has effect.]

83Notification requirements: initial notificationE+W+N.I.

(1)A relevant offender must, within the period of 3 days beginning with the relevant date (or, if later, the commencement of this Part), notify to the police the information set out in subsection (5).

(2)Subsection (1) does not apply to a relevant offender in respect of a conviction, finding or caution within section 80(1) if—

(a)immediately before the conviction, finding or caution, he was subject to the notification requirements of this Part as a result of another conviction, finding or caution or an order of a court (“the earlier event”),

(b)at that time, he had made a notification under subsection (1) in respect of the earlier event, and

(c)throughout the period referred to in subsection (1), he remains subject to the notification requirements as a result of the earlier event.

(3)Subsection (1) does not apply to a relevant offender in respect of a conviction, finding or caution within section 81(1) or an order within section 81(7) if the offender complied with section 2(1) of the Sex Offenders Act 1997 in respect of the conviction, finding, caution or order.

(4)Where a notification order is made in respect of a conviction, finding or caution, subsection (1) does not apply to the relevant offender in respect of the conviction, finding or caution if—

(a)immediately before the order was made, he was subject to the notification requirements of this Part as a result of another conviction, finding or caution or an order of a court (“the earlier event”),

(b)at that time, he had made a notification under subsection (1) in respect of the earlier event, and

(c)throughout the period referred to in subsection (1), he remains subject to the notification requirements as a result of the earlier event.

(5)The information is—

(a)the relevant offender’s date of birth;

(b)his national insurance number;

(c)his name on the relevant date and, where he used one or more other names on that date, each of those names;

(d)his home address on the relevant date;

(e)his name on the date on which notification is given and, where he uses one or more other names on that date, each of those names;

(f)his home address on the date on which notification is given;

(g)the address of any other premises in the United Kingdom at which, at the time the notification is given, he regularly resides or stays;

[F174(h)any prescribed information.]

[F175(5A)In subsection (5)(h) “prescribed” means prescribed by regulations made by the Secretary of State.]

(6)When determining the period for the purpose of subsection (1), there is to be disregarded any time when the relevant offender is—

(a)remanded in or committed to custody by an order of a court [F176or kept in service custody];

(b)serving a sentence of imprisonment or a term of service detention;

(c)detained in a hospital; or

(d)outside the United Kingdom.

(7)In this Part, “home address” means, in relation to any person—

(a)the address of his sole or main residence in the United Kingdom, or

(b)where he has no such residence, the address or location of a place in the United Kingdom where he can regularly be found and, if there is more than one such place, such one of those places as the person may select.

Extent Information

E1This version of this provision extends to England and Wales and Northern Ireland only; a separate version has been created for Scotland only

Textual Amendments

F174S. 83(5)(h) inserted "at the end of subsection (5)" (E.W.N.I.) (14.7.2008) by virtue of Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 73, 142(1)(a), 153(7); S.I. 2008/1586, art. 2, Sch. 1 para. 45 (subject to Sch. 2)

F175S. 83(5A) inserted "after [subsection (5)]" (E.W.N.I.) (14.7.2008) by virtue of Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 73, 142(1)(b), 153(7); S.I. 2008/1586, art. 2, Sch. 1 para. 45 (subject to Sch. 2)

83Notification requirements: initial notificationS

(1)A relevant offender must, within the period of 3 days beginning with the relevant date (or, if later, the commencement of this Part), notify to the police the information set out in subsection (5).

(2)Subsection (1) does not apply to a relevant offender in respect of a conviction, finding or caution within section 80(1) if—

(a)immediately before the conviction, finding or caution, he was subject to the notification requirements of this Part as a result of another conviction, finding or caution or an order of a court (“the earlier event”),

(b)at that time, he had made a notification under subsection (1) in respect of the earlier event, and

(c)throughout the period referred to in subsection (1), he remains subject to the notification requirements as a result of the earlier event.

(3)Subsection (1) does not apply to a relevant offender in respect of a conviction, finding or caution within section 81(1) or an order within section 81(7) if the offender complied with section 2(1) of the Sex Offenders Act 1997 in respect of the conviction, finding, caution or order.

(4)Where a notification order is made in respect of a conviction, finding or caution, subsection (1) does not apply to the relevant offender in respect of the conviction, finding or caution if—

(a)immediately before the order was made, he was subject to the notification requirements of this Part as a result of another conviction, finding or caution or an order of a court (“the earlier event”),

(b)at that time, he had made a notification under subsection (1) in respect of the earlier event, and

(c)throughout the period referred to in subsection (1), he remains subject to the notification requirements as a result of the earlier event.

(5)The information is—

(a)the relevant offender’s date of birth;

(b)his national insurance number;

(c)his name on the relevant date and, where he used one or more other names on that date, each of those names;

(d)his home address on the relevant date;

(e)his name on the date on which notification is given and, where he uses one or more other names on that date, each of those names;

(f)his home address on the date on which notification is given;

(g)the address of any other premises in the United Kingdom at which, at the time the notification is given, he regularly resides or stays;

[F642(h)whether he has any passports and, in relation to each passport he has, the details set out in subsection (5A);

(i)such other information, about him or his personal affairs, as the Scottish Ministers may prescribe in regulations.

(5A)The details are—

(a)the issuing authority;

(b)the number;

(c)the dates of issue and expiry;

(d)the name and date of birth given as being those of the passport holder.]

(6)When determining the period for the purpose of subsection (1), there is to be disregarded any time when the relevant offender is—

(a)remanded in or committed to custody by an order of a court;

(b)serving a sentence of imprisonment or a term of service detention;

(c)detained in a hospital; or

(d)outside the United Kingdom.

(7)In this Part, “home address” means, in relation to any person—

(a)the address of his sole or main residence in the United Kingdom, or

(b)where he has no such residence, the address or location of a place in the United Kingdom where he can regularly be found and, if there is more than one such place, such one of those places as the person may select.

[F643(8)In this section, “passport” means—

(a)a United Kingdom passport within the meaning of the Immigration Act 1971 (c. 77);

(b)a passport issued by or on behalf of the authorities of a country outside the United Kingdom, or by or on behalf of an international organisation;

(c)a document that can be used (in some or all circumstances) instead of a passport.]

Extent Information

E7This version of this provision extends to Scotland only; a separate version has been created for England and Wales and Northern Ireland only

Textual Amendments

84Notification requirements: changesE+W+N.I.

(1)A relevant offender must, within the period of 3 days beginning with—

(a)his using a name which has not been notified to the police under section 83(1), this subsection, or section 2 of the Sex Offenders Act 1997 (c. 51),

(b)any change of his home address,

(c)his having resided or stayed, for a qualifying period, at any premises in the United Kingdom the address of which has not been notified to the police under section 83(1), this subsection, or section 2 of the Sex Offenders Act 1997,

[F177(ca)any prescribed change of circumstances, or]

(d)his release from custody pursuant to an order of a court or from imprisonment, service detention or detention in a hospital,

notify to the police that name, the new home address, the address of those premises [F178, the prescribed details] or (as the case may be) the fact that he has been released, and (in addition) the information set out in section 83(5).

(2)A notification under subsection (1) may be given before the name is used, the change of home address [F179or the prescribed change of circumstances] occurs or the qualifying period ends, but in that case the relevant offender must also specify the date when the event is expected to occur.

(3)If a notification is given in accordance with subsection (2) and the event to which it relates occurs more than 2 days before the date specified, the notification does not affect the duty imposed by subsection (1).

(4)If a notification is given in accordance with subsection (2) and the event to which it relates has not occurred by the end of the period of 3 days beginning with the date specified—

(a)the notification does not affect the duty imposed by subsection (1), and

(b)the relevant offender must, within the period of 6 days beginning with the date specified, notify to the police the fact that the event did not occur within the period of 3 days beginning with the date specified.

(5)Section 83(6) applies to the determination of the period of 3 days mentioned in subsection (1) and the period of 6 days mentioned in subsection (4)(b), as it applies to the determination of the period mentioned in section 83(1).

[F180(5A)In this section—

(a)prescribed change of circumstances” means any change—

(i)occurring in relation to any matter in respect of which information is required to be notified by virtue of section 83(5)(h), and

(ii)of a description prescribed by regulations made by the Secretary of State;

(b)the prescribed details”, in relation to a prescribed change of circumstances, means such details of the change as may be so prescribed.]

(6)In this section, “qualifying period” means—

(a)a period of 7 days, or

(b)two or more periods, in any period of 12 months, which taken together amount to 7 days.

Extent Information

E2This version of this provision extends to England, Wales and Northern Ireland only; a separate version has been created for Scotland only

Textual Amendments

F178Words in s. 84(1) inserted (E.W.N.I.) (14.7.2008) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 73, 142(3)(b), 153(7); S.I. 2008/1586, art. 2, Sch. 1 para. 45 (subject to Sch. 2)

F179Words in s. 84(2) inserted (E.W.N.I.) (14.7.2008) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 73, 142(4), 153(7); S.I. 2008/1586, art. 2, Sch. 1 para. 45 (subject to Sch. 2)

84Notification requirements: changesS

(1)A relevant offender must, within the period of 3 days beginning with—

(a)his using a name which has not been notified to the police under section 83(1), this subsection, or section 2 of the Sex Offenders Act 1997 (c. 51),

(b)any change of his home address,

(c)his having resided or stayed, for a qualifying period, at any premises in the United Kingdom the address of which has not been notified to the police under section 83(1), this subsection, or section 2 of the Sex Offenders Act 1997, F644. . .

(d)his release from custody pursuant to an order of a court or from imprisonment, service detention or detention in a hospital,

[F645(e)his losing or ceasing to have a passport notified to the police under section 83(1) or this subsection,

(f)his receiving a passport which has not been notified to the police under section 83(1) or this subsection, or

(g)the occurrence, in relation to information required to be notified by virtue of regulations made under section 83(5)(i), of an event prescribed by the Scottish Ministers in regulations,]

notify to the police that name, the new home address, the address of those premises or [F646the fact that he has been released, the fact that he has lost or ceased to have the passport, the details set out in section 83(5A) in relation to the passport or (as the case may be) such information as the Scottish Ministers prescribe in regulations], and (in addition) the information set out in section 83(5).

[F647(1A)In subsection (1), “passport” has the same meaning as in section 83.]

(2)A notification under subsection (1) may be given before the name is used, the change of home address occurs or the qualifying period ends, but in that case the relevant offender must also specify the date when the event is expected to occur.

(3)If a notification is given in accordance with subsection (2) and the event to which it relates occurs more than 2 days before the date specified, the notification does not affect the duty imposed by subsection (1).

(4)If a notification is given in accordance with subsection (2) and the event to which it relates has not occurred by the end of the period of 3 days beginning with the date specified—

(a)the notification does not affect the duty imposed by subsection (1), and

(b)the relevant offender must, within the period of 6 days beginning with the date specified, notify to the police the fact that the event did not occur within the period of 3 days beginning with the date specified.

(5)Section 83(6) applies to the determination of the period of 3 days mentioned in subsection (1) and the period of 6 days mentioned in subsection (4)(b), as it applies to the determination of the period mentioned in section 83(1).

(6)In this section, “qualifying period” means—

(a)a period of 7 days, or

(b)two or more periods, in any period of 12 months, which taken together amount to 7 days.

Extent Information

E8This version of this provision extends to Scotland only; a separate version has been created for England, Wales and Northern Ireland only

Textual Amendments

85Notification requirements: periodic notificationU.K.

F181(1)A relevant offender must, within [F182the applicable period] after each event within subsection (2), notify to the police the information set out in section 83(5), unless within that period he has given a notification under section 84(1).

(2)The events are—

(a)the commencement of this Part (but only in the case of a person who is a relevant offender from that commencement);

(b)any notification given by the relevant offender under section 83(1) or 84(1); and

(c)any notification given by him under subsection (1).

F183(3)Where [F184the applicable period] would (apart from this subsection) end whilst subsection (4) applies to the relevant offender, that period is to be treated as continuing until the end of the period of 3 days beginning when subsection (4) first ceases to apply to him.

(4)This subsection applies to the relevant offender if he is—

(a)remanded in or committed to custody by an order of a court [F185or kept in service custody],

(b)serving a sentence of imprisonment or a term of service detention,

(c)detained in a hospital, or

(d)outside the United Kingdom.

[F186(5)In this section, the “applicable period” means—

(a)in any case where subsection (6) applies to the relevant offender, such period not exceeding one year as the Scottish Ministers may prescribe in regulations, and

(b)in any other case, the period of one year.

(6)This subsection applies to the relevant offender if the last home address notified by the offender under section 83(1) or 84(1) or subsection (1) was the address or location of such a place as is mentioned in section 83(7)(b).]

[F187(5)In this section, “the applicable period” means—

(a)in any case where subsection (6) applies to the relevant offender, such period as may be prescribed by regulations made by the Secretary of State, and

(b)in any other case, the period of one year.

(6)This subsection applies to the relevant offender if the last home address notified by him under section 83(1) or 84(1) or subsection (1) was the address or location of such a place as is mentioned in section 83(7)(b).]

Textual Amendments

F181Words in s. 85(1) substituted (28.3.2011 for specified purposes, 8.7.2013 in so far as not already in force) by Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 13), ss. 102(2)(a), 206(1); S.S.I. 2011/178, art. 2, sch.; S.S.I. 2013/214, art. 2 (with art. 3)

F182Words in s. 85(1) substituted (E.W.N.I.) (14.7.2008) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 73, 142(7), 153(7); S.I. 2008/1586, art. 2, Sch. 1 para. 45 (subject to Sch. 2) and said words substituted (S.) (28.3.2011 for certain purposes, 8.7.2013 in so far as not already in force) by virtue of Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 13), ss. 102(2)(a), 206(1); S.S.I. 2011/178, art. 2, Sch.; S.S.I. 2013/214, art. 2 (with art. 3)

F183Words in s. 85(3) substituted (28.3.2011 for specified purposes, 8.7.2013 in so far as not already in force) by Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 13), ss. 102(2)(b), 206(1); S.S.I. 2011/178, art. 2, sch.; S.S.I. 2013/214, art. 2 (with art. 3)

F184Words in s. 85(3) substituted (E.W.N.I.) (14.7.2008) by Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008 (c. 4), ss. 73, 142(8), 153(7); S.I. 2008/1586, art. 2, Sch. 1 para. 45 (subject to Sch. 2) and said words substituted (S.) (28.3.2011 for certain purposes, 8.7.2013 in so far as not already in force) by virtue of Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 13), ss. 102(2)(b), 206(1); S.S.I. 2011/178, art. 2, Sch.; S.S.I. 2013/214, art. 2 (with art. 3)

F186S. 85(5)(6) inserted (S.) (28.3.2011 for specified purposes, 8.7.2013 in so far as not already in force) by Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010 (asp 13), ss. 102(2)(c), 206(1); S.S.I. 2011/178, art. 2, sch.; S.S.I. 2013/214, art. 2 (with art. 3)

[F18885ANotification requirements: absence from notified residenceN.I.

(1)This section applies to a relevant offender at any time if the last home address notified by him under section 83(1), 84(1) or 85(1) was an address in Northern Ireland such as is mentioned in section 83(7)(a) (sole or main residence).

(2)If the relevant offender intends to be absent from that home address for a period of more than 3 days (“the relevant period”), the relevant offender must, not less than 12 hours before leaving that home address, notify to the police the information set out in subsection (3).

(3)The information is—

(a)the date on which the relevant offender will leave that home address;

(b)such details as the relevant offender holds about—

(i)his travel arrangements during the relevant period;

(ii)his accommodation arrangements during that period;

(iii)his date of return to that home address.

(4)In this section—

(5)Where—

(a)a relevant offender has given a notification under subsection (2), and

(b)at any time before that mentioned in that subsection, the information notified becomes inaccurate or incomplete,

the relevant offender must give a further notification under subsection (2).

(6)Where a relevant offender—

(a)has notified a date of return to his home address, but

(b)returns to his home address on a date other than that notified,

the relevant offender must notify the date of his actual return to the police within 3 days of his actual return.

(7)Nothing in this section requires an offender to notify any information which falls to be notified in accordance with a requirement imposed by regulations under section 86.

(8)In calculating the relevant period for the purposes of this section there is to be disregarded—

(a)any period or periods which the relevant offender intends to spend at, or travelling directly to or from, an address of the kind mentioned in section 83(5)(g) notified to the police under section 83 or 85;

(b)any period or periods which the relevant offender intends to spend at, or travelling directly to or from, any premises, if his stay at those premises would give rise to a requirement to notify the address of those premises under section 84(1)(c).

(9)This section applies in relation to any relevant period which begins on or after the day after the coming into operation of section 2 of the Criminal Justice Act (Northern Ireland) 2013.]

Textual Amendments

86Notification requirements: travel outside the United KingdomU.K.

(1)The Secretary of State may by regulations make provision requiring relevant offenders who leave the United Kingdom, or any description of such offenders—

(a)to give in accordance with the regulations, before they leave, a notification under subsection (2);

(b)if they subsequently return to the United Kingdom, to give in accordance with the regulations a notification under subsection (3).

(2)A notification under this subsection must disclose—

(a)the date on which the offender will leave the United Kingdom;

(b)the country (or, if there is more than one, the first country) to which he will travel and his point of arrival (determined in accordance with the regulations) in that country;

(c)any other information prescribed by the regulations which the offender holds about his departure from or return to the United Kingdom or his movements while outside the United Kingdom.

(3)A notification under this subsection must disclose any information prescribed by the regulations about the offender’s return to the United Kingdom.

F189(4)F190. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

87Method of notification and related mattersE+W

(1)A person gives a notification under section 83(1), 84(1) or 85(1) by—

[F191(a)attending at the police station in the person’s local police area that is for the time being specified in a document published for that local police area under this section or, if there is more than one such police station, at any one of them, and]

(b)giving an oral notification to any police officer, or to any person authorised for the purpose by the officer in charge of the station.

(2)A person giving a notification under section 84(1)—

(a)in relation to a prospective change of home address, or

(b)in relation to premises referred to in subsection (1)(c) of that section,

may give the notification at a police station that would fall within subsection (1) above if the change in home address had already occurred or (as the case may be) if the address of those premises were his home address.

[F192(2A)The chief officer of police for each police area must publish, in such manner as the chief officer thinks fit, a document containing the name and address of each police station in that area at which a person may give a notification under section 83(1), 84(1) or 85(1).

(2B)A chief officer of police must keep under review a document published by the chief officer under this section and may from time to time publish a revised version of the document in such manner as the chief officer thinks fit.]

(3)Any notification under this section must be acknowledged; and an acknowledgment under this subsection must be in writing, and in such form as the Secretary of State may direct.

(4)Where a notification is given under section 83(1), 84(1) or 85(1), the relevant offender must, if requested to do so by the police officer or person referred to in subsection (1)(b), allow the officer or person to—

(a)take his fingerprints,

(b)photograph any part of him, or

(c)do both these things.

(5)The power in subsection (4) is exercisable for the purpose of verifying the identity of the relevant offender.

F193(6). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Extent Information

E3This version of this provision extends to England and Wales only; a separate version has been created for Scotland and Northern Ireland only

Textual Amendments

87Method of notification and related mattersS

(1)A person gives a notification under section 83(1), 84(1) or 85(1) by—

(a)attending at such police station F648... as the Secretary of State may by regulations prescribe or, if there is more than one, at any of them, and

(b)giving an oral notification to any police officer, or to any person authorised for the purpose by the officer in charge of the station.

(2)A person giving a notification under section 84(1)—

(a)in relation to a prospective change of home address, or

(b)in relation to premises referred to in subsection (1)(c) of that section,

may give the notification at a police station that would fall within subsection (1) above if the change in home address had already occurred or (as the case may be) if the address of those premises were his home address.

(3)Any notification under this section must be acknowledged; and an acknowledgment under this subsection must be in writing, and in such form as the Secretary of State may direct.

[F649(5A)Where a notification is given in Scotland under section 83(1), 84(1) or 85(1), the relevant offender must, if requested to do so by the police officer or person referred to in subsection (1)(b), do one or more of the following—

(a)allow the officer or person to photograph any part of the offender,

(b)allow the officer or person to take from the offender, or provide to the officer or person, such relevant physical data as the officer or person considers appropriate,

(c)allow the officer or person to take from the offender any sample mentioned in any of paragraphs (a) to (c) of subsection (6) of section 18 of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995 by the means specified in that paragraph in relation to that sample,

(d)allow the officer or person to take from the offender any sample mentioned in subsection (6A) of that section by the means specified in that subsection.]

[F650(5B)Where a notification is given in Scotland under section 83(1), 84(1) or 85(1), the relevant offender must, if requested to do so by the police officer or person referred to in subsection (1)(b), produce each passport he has to that officer or person, for inspection by that officer or person.

(5C)In subsection (5B), “passport” has the same meaning as in section 83.]

F651(6). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Extent Information

E9This version of this provision extends to Scotland only; a separate version has been created for England, Wales and Northern Ireland only

Textual Amendments

F649S. 87(5A) substituted for s. 87(4)(5) (S.) (1.9.2006) by Police, Public Order and Criminal Justice (Scotland) Act 2006 (asp 10) , {ss. 77(7)}, 104; S.S.I. 2006/432, art. 2(d)

87Method of notification and related mattersN.I.

(1)A person gives a notification under section 83(1), 84(1) [F652, 85(1) or 85A(2) or (6)] by—

(a)attending at such police station in his local police area as the Secretary of State may by regulations prescribe or, if there is more than one, at any of them, and

(b)giving an oral notification to any police officer, or to any person authorised for the purpose by the officer in charge of the station.

(2)A person giving a notification under section 84(1)—

(a)in relation to a prospective change of home address, or

(b)in relation to premises referred to in subsection (1)(c) of that section,

may give the notification at a police station that would fall within subsection (1) above if the change in home address had already occurred or (as the case may be) if the address of those premises were his home address.

(3)Any notification under this section must be acknowledged; and an acknowledgment under this subsection must be in writing, and in such form as the Secretary of State may direct.

(4)Where a notification is given under section 83(1), 84(1) [F653, 85(1) or 85A(2) or (6)], the relevant offender must, if requested to do so by the police officer or person referred to in subsection (1)(b), allow the officer or person to—

(a)take his fingerprints,

(b)photograph any part of him, or

(c)do both these things.

(5)The power in subsection (4) is exercisable for the purpose of verifying the identity of the relevant offender.

F654(6). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Extent Information

E10This version of this provision extends to Northern Ireland only; a separate version has been created for England and Wales and Scotland only

Textual Amendments

88Section 87: interpretationU.K.

(1)[F194Subsections (2) to (4)] [F194Subsections (2) and (2A)] apply for the purposes of section 87.

(2)Photograph” includes any process by means of which an image may be produced.

[F195(2A)Relevant physical data” has the meaning given by section 18(7A) of the Criminal Procedure (Scotland) Act 1995.]

[F196(3)Local police area” means, in relation to a person—

(a)the police area in which his home address is situated;

(b)in the absence of a home address, the police area in which the home address last notified is situated;

(c)in the absence of a home address and of any such notification, the police area in which the court which last dealt with the person in a way mentioned in subsection (4) is situated.]

(4)[F197The ways are—

(a)dealing with a person in respect of an offence listed in Schedule 3 or a finding in relation to such an offence;

(b)dealing with a person in respect of an offence under section 128 or a finding in relation to such an offence;

(c)making, in respect of a person, a notification order, interim notification order, [F198sexual harm prevention order, interim sexual harm prevention order,] sexual offences prevention order or interim sexual offences prevention order [F199, or an order under Chapter 2 of Part 11 of the Sentencing Code (sexual harm prevention orders on conviction)];

(d)making, in respect of a person, an order under section 2, 2A or 20 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998 (c. 37) (sex offender orders and interim orders made in England and Wales or Scotland) or Article 6 or 6A of the Criminal Justice (Northern Ireland) Order 1998 (S.I. 1998/2839 (N.I. 20)) (sex offender orders and interim orders made in Northern Ireland);

and in paragraphs (a) and (b), “finding” in relation to an offence means a finding of not guilty of the offence by reason of insanity or a finding that the person was under a disability and did the act or omission charged against him in respect of the offence.]

(5)[F197Subsection (3) applies as if Northern Ireland were a police area.]

[F200[F20188AReview of indefinite notification requirements: applicable personsS

(1)Sections 88B to 88H apply to—

(a)a person who, on or after 28th January 2011, becomes subject to the notification requirements of this Part for an indefinite period by virtue of section 80(1) or a notification order made under section 97(5); and

(b)a person who immediately before that date was subject to the notification requirements of this Part for an indefinite period by virtue of—

(i)section 80(1);

(ii)section 81(1); or

(iii)a notification order made under section 97(5).

(2)A person who falls within subsection (1)(a) or (b) is referred to in sections 88B to 88G as a “relevant sex offender”.]

Textual Amendments

F200Ss. 88A-88I inserted (S.) (25.10.2010 at 17.00 hours) by The Sexual Offences Act 2003 (Remedial) (Scotland) Order 2010 (S.S.I. 2010/370), arts. 1(1), 3 (which Order is revoked and re-enacted with modifications (28.1.2011) by The Sexual Offences Act 2003 (Remedial) (Scotland) Order 2011 (S.S.I. 2011/45))

[F20288BReview of indefinite notification requirements: date of discharge and further date of dischargeS

(1)For the purposes of this Part, the date of discharge is—

(a)where the relevant sex offender was aged 18 or over on the relevant date, the date falling 15 years after that date;

(b)where the relevant sex offender was aged under 18 on the relevant date, the date falling 8 years after that date.

(2)In determining the date of discharge under subsection (1), there is to be disregarded any time when the relevant sex offender was—

(a)remanded in or committed to custody by order of a court;

(b)serving a sentence of imprisonment or a term of service detention;

(c)detained in hospital; or

(d)outside the United Kingdom,

before the relevant sex offender first notified information to the police under section 2(1) of the Sex Offenders Act 1997 or section 83(1) of this Part.

(3)Subsection (4) applies where—

(a)the relevant sex offender is subject to the notification requirements of this Part;

(b)after the relevant sex offender first notified information to the police under section 2(1) of the Sex Offenders Act 1997 or section 83(1) of this Part, the relevant sex offender was sentenced to a period of imprisonment or a term of service detention in respect of the offence (or offences) to which the notification requirements relate; and

(c)the date of discharge would, apart from subsection (4), fall on or after 28th January 2011.

(4)In determining the date of discharge under subsection (1), there is also to be disregarded any time when the relevant sex offender was serving a sentence of imprisonment or a term of service detention in respect of that offence (or those offences).

(5)Where a notification continuation order made under this Part has effect in respect of the relevant sex offender, for the purposes of this Part the further date of discharge is the date of expiry of the fixed period specified in that order.

(6)In this section and section 88D “relevant date”—

(a)in relation to a relevant sex offender who is subject to the notification requirements of this Part for an indefinite period by virtue of section 80(1) or 81(1), has the meaning applicable to that offender specified in section 82(6)(a) to (c);

(b)in relation to a relevant sex offender who is subject to the notification requirements of this Part for an indefinite period by virtue of a notification order made under section 97(5), has the meaning applicable to that offender specified in section 98(2).]

Textual Amendments

F200Ss. 88A-88I inserted (S.) (25.10.2010 at 17.00 hours) by The Sexual Offences Act 2003 (Remedial) (Scotland) Order 2010 (S.S.I. 2010/370), arts. 1(1), 3 (which Order is revoked and re-enacted with modifications (28.1.2011) by The Sexual Offences Act 2003 (Remedial) (Scotland) Order 2011 (S.S.I. 2011/45))

[F20388CReview of the indefinite notification requirements: procedure and groundsS

(1)The relevant chief constable must no later than the date of discharge—

(a)make a notification continuation order in respect of the relevant sex offender; or

(b)notify the relevant sex offender that the offender ceases to be subject to the notification requirements of this Part on the date of discharge.

(2)A notification continuation order is an order making the relevant sex offender subject to the notification requirements of this Part for a fixed period of not more than 15 years from the date which would, but for the order, have been the date of discharge.

(3)The relevant chief constable may make a notification continuation order only if satisfied, on the balance of probabilities, that the relevant sex offender poses a risk of sexual harm to the public, or any particular members of the public, in the United Kingdom.

(4)In deciding whether to make a notification continuation order, the relevant chief constable must take into account—

(a)the seriousness of the offence (or offences)—

(i)of which the relevant sex offender was convicted;

(ii)of which the relevant sex offender was found not guilty by reason of insanity;

(iii)in respect of which the relevant sex offender was found to be under a disability and to have done the act charged; or

(iv)in respect of which the relevant sex offender was cautioned in England and Wales or Northern Ireland,

which made the relevant sex offender subject to the notification requirements of this Part for an indefinite period;

(b)the period of time which has elapsed since the relevant sex offender committed the offence (or offences);

(c)where the relevant sex offender falls within section 88A(1)(b)(ii), whether the relevant sex offender committed any offence under section 3 of the Sex Offenders Act 1997;

(d)whether the relevant sex offender has committed any offence under section 91 of this Act;

(e)the age of the relevant sex offender at the time of the decision;

(f)the age of the relevant sex offender at the time the offence (or offences) referred to in paragraph (a) was (or were) committed;

(g)the age of any person who was a victim of any such offence (where applicable) and the difference in age between the victim and the relevant sex offender at the time the offence was committed;

(h)any convictions or findings made by a court in respect of the relevant sex offender for any other offence listed in Schedule 3;

(i)any caution which the relevant sex offender has received for an offence in England and Wales or Northern Ireland which is listed in Schedule 3;

(j)whether any criminal proceedings for any offences listed in Schedule 3 have been instituted against the relevant sex offender but have not concluded;

(k)any assessment of the risk posed by the relevant sex offender which has been made by the responsible authorities under the joint arrangements for managing and assessing risk established under section 10 of the Management of Offenders etc. (Scotland) Act 2005;

(l)any other submission or evidence of the risk of sexual harm posed by the relevant sex offender to the public, or any particular members of the public, in the United Kingdom;

(m)any submission or evidence presented by or on behalf of the relevant sex offender which demonstrates that the relevant sex offender does not pose a risk of sexual harm to the public, or any particular members of the public, in the United Kingdom; and

(n)any other matter which the relevant chief constable considers to be appropriate.

(5)A notification continuation order must state—

(a)the reasons why the order was made; and

(b)the reasons for the determination of the fixed period in the order.

(6)A notification continuation order must be notified to the relevant sex offender by—

(a)the relevant chief constable sending a copy of the order to the relevant sex offender by registered post or by the recorded delivery service (an acknowledgement or certificate of delivery of a copy so sent, issued by the Post Office, being sufficient evidence of the delivery of the copy on the day specified in the acknowledgement or certificate); or

(b)a constable serving a copy of the order on the relevant sex offender.

(7)In this section—

(8)In this section and sections 88D to 88G, “relevant chief constable” means the chief constable of the [F204Police Service of Scotland].]

[F20588DReview of indefinite notification requirement: transitional casesS

(1)This section applies to a case where—

(a)the conditions in subsection (2) are satisfied in relation to a relevant sex offender falling within section 88A(1)(b)(ii); and

(b)the relevant chief constable was, under this section as it had effect before the coming into force of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 (Remedial) (Scotland) Order 2011, under the duty in subsection (4).

(2)The conditions referred to in subsection (1)(a) are that the person—

(a)was aged under 18 on the relevant date; and

(b)after disregarding any time referred to in subsection (3), had been subject to the notification requirements of Part 1 of the Sex Offenders Act 1997 and this Part for a total period of at least 8 years on 25th October 2010.

(3)That time is any time during which the relevant sex offender was—

(a)remanded in or committed to custody by order of the court;

(b)serving a sentence of imprisonment or a term of service detention;

(c)detained in hospital; or

(d)outside the United Kingdom,

before the relevant sex offender first notified information to the police under section 2(1) of the Sex Offenders Act 1997.

(4)The duty referred to in subsection (1)(b) is a duty, no later than the applicable date, to—

(a)make a notification continuation order in respect of the relevant sex offender; or

(b)notify the relevant sex offender that the offender ceases to be subject to the notification requirements of this Part on the applicable date.

(5)In this section the “applicable date” is 25th January 2011.]

Textual Amendments

F200Ss. 88A-88I inserted (S.) (25.10.2010 at 17.00 hours) by The Sexual Offences Act 2003 (Remedial) (Scotland) Order 2010 (S.S.I. 2010/370), arts. 1(1), 3 (which Order is revoked and re-enacted with modifications (28.1.2011) by The Sexual Offences Act 2003 (Remedial) (Scotland) Order 2011 (S.S.I. 2011/45))

[F20688EReview of indefinite notification requirements: further reviewS

(1)Where a notification continuation order has been made, the relevant chief constable must no later than the further date of discharge—

(a)make another notification continuation order in respect of the relevant sex offender; or

(b)notify the relevant sex offender that the offender ceases to be subject to the notification requirements of this Part on the further date of discharge.

(2)Section 88C(2) to (8) applies in relation to this section, but a reference to the date of discharge is to be read as a reference to the further date of discharge.]

Textual Amendments

F200Ss. 88A-88I inserted (S.) (25.10.2010 at 17.00 hours) by The Sexual Offences Act 2003 (Remedial) (Scotland) Order 2010 (S.S.I. 2010/370), arts. 1(1), 3 (which Order is revoked and re-enacted with modifications (28.1.2011) by The Sexual Offences Act 2003 (Remedial) (Scotland) Order 2011 (S.S.I. 2011/45))

88FReview of the indefinite notification requirements: application to a sheriffS

(1)Where a relevant chief constable fails to comply with section 88C(1), 88D(3) or 88E(1), the relevant sex offender may make an application to a sheriff for an order that the offender is no longer subject to the notification requirements of this Part.

(2)An application under subsection (1) is to be made by summary application to the sheriff in whose sheriffdom the relevant sex offender resides.

(3)On an application under subsection (1), the sheriff may—

(a)make the order sought in the application; or

(b)make a notification continuation order in respect of the relevant sex offender.

(4)Section 88C(2) to (5) and (7) applies in relation to the making of a notification continuation order under this section, but—

(a)a reference to the relevant chief constable is to be read as a reference to the sheriff;

(b)if an application under subsection (1) is made in relation to the failure of the relevant chief constable to comply with section 88D(3), the reference to the date of discharge in section 88C(2) is to be read as a reference to the applicable date; and

(c)if an application under subsection (1) is made in relation to the failure of the relevant chief constable to comply with section 88E(1), the reference to the date of discharge in section 88C(2) is to be read as a reference to the further date of discharge.

(5)The relevant chief constable and the relevant sex offender may appear or be represented at any hearing in respect of the application.

(6)Where an application under subsection (1) is determined, the sheriff clerk must send a copy of the interlocutor, and where made a copy of the notification continuation order, to the relevant sex offender and the relevant chief constable.

(7)The copy of the interlocutor, and where made the copy of the notification continuation order, is sent in accordance with subsection (6) if—

(a)sent by registered post or by the recorded delivery service (an acknowledgement or certificate of delivery of a copy so sent, issued by the Post Office, being sufficient evidence of the delivery of the copy on the day specified in the acknowledgement or certificate); or

(b)personally served on the relevant sex offender and the relevant chief constable.

(8)The relevant sex offender remains subject to the notification requirements of this Part until the matter is finally determined as mentioned in section 88G(10).

Textual Amendments

F200Ss. 88A-88I inserted (S.) (25.10.2010 at 17.00 hours) by The Sexual Offences Act 2003 (Remedial) (Scotland) Order 2010 (S.S.I. 2010/370), arts. 1(1), 3 (which Order is revoked and re-enacted with modifications (28.1.2011) by The Sexual Offences Act 2003 (Remedial) (Scotland) Order 2011 (S.S.I. 2011/45))

88GReview of indefinite notification requirements: appealsS

(1)The decision of the relevant chief constable—

(a)to make a notification continuation order; and

(b)setting the fixed period of the notification continuation order,

may be appealed by the relevant sex offender within 21 days after the date specified in subsection (3).

(2)An appeal under subsection (1) is to be made by summary application to the sheriff in whose sheriffdom the relevant sex offender resides.

(3)The date is—

(a)where the appeal is brought against the decision of the relevant chief constable made under section 88C(1), the date of discharge;

(b)where the appeal is brought against the decision of the relevant chief constable made under section 88D(1), the applicable date; or

(c)where the appeal is brought against the decision of the relevant chief constable made under section 88E(1), the further date of discharge.

(4)The decision of a sheriff—

(a)on an application made under section 88F(1);

(b)on appeal made under subsection (1); and

(c)in relation to the fixed period of the notification continuation order,

may be appealed by the relevant sex offender or the relevant chief constable to the sheriff principal within 21 days of the date of that decision.

(5)On an appeal under this section, the sheriff or the sheriff principal may—

(a)uphold or quash the decision of the relevant chief constable or, as the case may be, the sheriff;

(b)make a notification continuation order; or

(c)vary the fixed period in that order.

(6)Section 88C(3) to (5) apply in relation to the making of a notification continuation order under this section but a reference to the relevant chief constable is to be read as a reference to the sheriff or, as the case may be, sheriff principal.

(7)Where an appeal under this section is finally determined, the sheriff clerk must send a copy of the interlocutor, and where made a copy of the notification continuation order, to the relevant sex offender and the relevant chief constable.

(8)The copy of the interlocutor, and where made the copy of the notification continuation order, shall be sent in accordance with subsection (7) if—

(a)sent by registered post or by the recorded delivery service (an acknowledgement or certificate of delivery of a copy so sent, issued by the Post Office, being sufficient evidence of the delivery of the copy on the day specified in the acknowledgement or certificate); or

(b)personally served on the relevant sex offender and relevant chief constable.

(9)The relevant sex offender remains subject to the existing notification requirements of this Part until the matter is finally determined as mentioned in subsection (10).

(10)The matter is finally determined—

(a)where it is decided that a relevant sex offender should cease to be subject to the notification requirements of this Part, or the decision to make a notification continuation order is quashed, on the expiry of the period of 21 days referred to in subsection (4) without an appeal being taken;

(b)where a notification continuation order is made, or a decision to make such an order is upheld on appeal, on the expiry of the period of 21 days referred to in subsection (1) or (4) without an appeal being taken; or

(c)where an appeal is taken—

(i)on the disposal of the appeal; or

(ii)on its being abandoned.

Textual Amendments

F200Ss. 88A-88I inserted (S.) (25.10.2010 at 17.00 hours) by The Sexual Offences Act 2003 (Remedial) (Scotland) Order 2010 (S.S.I. 2010/370), arts. 1(1), 3 (which Order is revoked and re-enacted with modifications (28.1.2011) by The Sexual Offences Act 2003 (Remedial) (Scotland) Order 2011 (S.S.I. 2011/45))

88HReview of indefinite notification requirements: power to amend periodsS

Textual Amendments

F200Ss. 88A-88I inserted (S.) (25.10.2010 at 17.00 hours) by The Sexual Offences Act 2003 (Remedial) (Scotland) Order 2010 (S.S.I. 2010/370), arts. 1(1), 3 (which Order is revoked and re-enacted with modifications (28.1.2011) by The Sexual Offences Act 2003 (Remedial) (Scotland) Order 2011 (S.S.I. 2011/45))

88IDischarge from indefinite notification requirements: England, Wales and Northern IrelandS

(1)A relevant offender who is, under the relevant legislation, discharged from the notification requirements of this Part by a court, person or body in England and Wales or Northern Ireland is, by virtue of the discharge, also discharged from the notification requirements of this Part as it applies to Scotland.

(2)In subsection (1) “relevant legislation” means legislation which makes provision equivalent to that made by sections 88A to 88H and this section for a relevant offender who is subject to the notification requirements of this Part as it applies to England and Wales or, as the case may be, Northern Ireland for an indefinite period to be discharged from those notification requirements.]

Textual Amendments

F200Ss. 88A-88I inserted (S.) (25.10.2010 at 17.00 hours) by The Sexual Offences Act 2003 (Remedial) (Scotland) Order 2010 (S.S.I. 2010/370), arts. 1(1), 3 (which Order is revoked and re-enacted with modifications (28.1.2011) by The Sexual Offences Act 2003 (Remedial) (Scotland) Order 2011 (S.S.I. 2011/45))

89Young offenders: parental directionsU.K.

(1)Where a person within the first column of the following Table (“the young offender”) is under 18 (or, in Scotland, 16) when he is before the court referred to in the second column of the Table opposite the description that applies to him, that court may direct that subsection (2) applies in respect of an individual (“the parent”) having parental responsibility for (or, in Scotland, parental responsibilities in relation to) the young offender.

TABLE
Description of personCourt which may make the direction
A relevant offender within section 80(1)(a) to (c) or 81(1)(a) to (c)The court which deals with the offender in respect of the offence or finding
A relevant offender within section 129(1)(a) to (c)The court which deals with the offender in respect of the offence or finding
A person who is the subject of a notification order, interim notification order, [F207sexual harm prevention order, interim sexual harm prevention order,] sexual offences prevention order or interim sexual offences prevention order [F208, or an order under Chapter 2 of Part 11 of the Sentencing Code (sexual harm prevention orders on conviction)]The court which makes the order
A relevant offender who is the defendant to an application under subsection (4) (or, in Scotland, the subject of an application under subsection (5))The court which hears the application

[F209(1A)In the Table—

(a)the reference to a sexual harm prevention order includes an order made under section 11 or 12 of the Abusive Behaviour and Sexual Harm (Scotland) Act 2016,

(b)the reference to an interim sexual harm prevention order includes an order made under section 21 of the Abusive Behaviour and Sexual Harm (Scotland) Act 2016.]

(2)Where this subsection applies—

(a)the obligations that would (apart from this subsection) be imposed by or under sections 83 to 86 on the young offender are to be treated instead as obligations on the parent, and

(b)the parent must ensure that the young offender attends at the police station with him, when a notification is being given.

(3)A direction under subsection (1) takes immediate effect and applies—

(a)until the young offender attains the age of 18 (or, where a court in Scotland gives the direction, 16); or

(b)for such shorter period as the court may, at the time the direction is given, direct.

(4)A chief officer of police may, by complaint to any magistrates' court whose commission area includes any part of his police area, apply for a direction under subsection (1) in respect of a relevant offender (“the defendant”)—

(a)who resides in his police area, or who the chief officer believes is in or is intending to come to his police area, and

(b)who the chief officer believes is under 18.

(5)In Scotland, [F210the chief constable of the Police Service of Scotland] may, by summary application to any sheriff F211..., apply for a direction under subsection (1) in respect of a relevant offender (“the subject”)—

(a)who resides in that area, or who the chief constable believes is in or is intending to come to that area, and

(b)who the chief constable believes is under 16.

90Parental directions: variations, renewals and dischargesU.K.

(1)A person within subsection (2) may apply to the appropriate court for an order varying, renewing or discharging a direction under section 89(1).

(2)The persons are—

(a)the young offender;

(b)the parent;

(c)the chief officer of police for the area in which the young offender resides;

(d)a chief officer of police who believes that the young offender is in, or is intending to come to, his police area;

[F212(e)in Scotland—

(i)where the appropriate court is a civil court, the chief constable of the Police Service of Scotland; and

(ii)in any other case, the prosecutor;]

(f)where the direction was made on an application under section 89(4), the chief officer of police who made the application;

(g)where the direction was made on an application under section 89(5), the chief constable who made the application.

(3)An application under subsection (1) may be made—

(a)where the appropriate court is the Crown Court (or in Scotland a criminal court), in accordance with rules of court;

(b)in any other case, by complaint (or, in Scotland, by summary application).

(4)On the application the court, after hearing the person making the application and (if they wish to be heard) the other persons mentioned in subsection (2), may make any order, varying, renewing or discharging the direction, that the court considers appropriate.

(5)In this section, the “appropriate court” means—

(a)where the Court of Appeal made the order, the Crown Court;

(b)in any other case, the court that made the direction under section 89(1).

91Offences relating to notificationE+W+N.I.

(1)A person commits an offence if he—

(a)fails, without reasonable excuse, to comply with section 83(1), 84(1), 84(4)(b), 85(1)[F213, 85A(2) or (6)], 87(4) [F214or 89(2)(b)] [F214, 89(2)(b) or 96ZB(3)(b)] or any requirement imposed by regulations made under section 86(1); or

(b)notifies to the police, in purported compliance with section 83(1), 84(1) [F215or 85(1)] [F215, 85(1) or 85A(2) or (6)] or any requirement imposed by regulations made under section 86(1), any information which he knows to be false.

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

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

(b)on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years.

(3)A person commits an offence under paragraph (a) of subsection (1) on the day on which he first fails, without reasonable excuse, to comply with section 83(1), 84(1) [F216or 85(1)] [F216, 85(1) or 85A(2) or (6)] or a requirement imposed by regulations made under section 86(1), and continues to commit it throughout any period during which the failure continues; but a person must not be prosecuted under subsection (1) more than once in respect of the same failure.

(4)Proceedings for an offence under this section may be commenced in any court having jurisdiction in any place where the person charged with the offence resides or is found.

Extent Information

E4This version of this provision extends to England, Wales and Northern Ireland only; a separate version has been created for Scotland only

Textual Amendments

91Offences relating to notificationS

(1)A person commits an offence if he—

(a)fails, without reasonable excuse, to comply with section 83(1), 84(1), 84(4)(b), 85(1), [F65587(5A)][F656or (5B)] or 89(2)(b) or any requirement imposed by regulations made under section 86(1); or

(b)notifies to the police, in purported compliance with section 83(1), 84(1) or 85(1) or any requirement imposed by regulations made under section 86(1), any information which he knows to be false.

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

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

(b)on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 5 years.

(3)A person commits an offence under paragraph (a) of subsection (1) on the day on which he first fails, without reasonable excuse, to comply with section 83(1), 84(1) or 85(1) or a requirement imposed by regulations made under section 86(1), and continues to commit it throughout any period during which the failure continues; but a person must not be prosecuted under subsection (1) more than once in respect of the same failure.

[F657(4)Proceedings for an offence under this section may be commenced in any court—

(a)having jurisdiction in any place where the accused—

(i)resides;

(ii)is last known to have resided; or

(iii)is found;

(b)which has convicted the accused of an offence if the accused is subject to the notification requirements of this Part by virtue of that conviction; or

(c)which has made an order under section 104(1)(b) in respect of the accused if the accused is subject to those requirements by virtue of that order.]

Extent Information

E11This version of this provision extends to Scotland only; a separate version has been created for England, Wales and Northern Ireland only

Textual Amendments

[F21791AReview of indefinite notification requirements: qualifying relevant offenderE+W

(1)A qualifying relevant offender may apply to the relevant chief officer of police for a determination that the qualifying relevant offender is no longer subject to the indefinite notification requirements (“an application for review”).

(2)A qualifying relevant offender means a relevant offender who, on the date on which he makes an application for review, is—

(a)subject to the indefinite notification requirements; and

(b)not subject to [F218a sexual harm prevention order under section 103A, an interim sexual harm prevention order under section 103F,] a sexual offences prevention order under section 104(1) or an interim sexual offences prevention order under section 109(3) [F219, or an order under Chapter 2 of Part 11 of the Sentencing Code (sexual harm prevention orders on conviction)].

(3)The “indefinite notification requirements” mean the notification requirements of this Part for an indefinite period by virtue of—

(a)section 80(1);

(b)section 81(1); or

[F220(c)a notice given under section 96ZA.]

(4)In this Part, the “relevant chief officer of police” means, subject to subsection (5), the chief officer of police for the police area in which a qualifying relevant offender is recorded as residing or staying in the most recent notification given by him under section 84(1) or 85(1).

(5)Subsection (6) applies if a qualifying relevant offender is recorded as residing or staying at more than one address in the most recent notification given by him under section 84(1) or 85(1).

(6)If this subsection applies, the “relevant chief officer of police” means the chief officer of police for the police area in which, during the relevant period, the qualifying relevant offender has resided or stayed on a number of days which equals or exceeds the number of days on which he has resided or stayed in any other police area.

(7)In subsection (6), “the relevant period” means the period of 12 months ending on the day on which the qualifying relevant offender makes an application for review.

91BReview of indefinite notification requirements: application for review and qualifying datesE+W

(1)An application for review must be in writing and may be made on or after the qualifying date or, as the case may be, the further qualifying date.

(2)Subject to subsection (7), the qualifying date is—

(a)where the qualifying relevant offender was 18 or over on the relevant date, the day after the end of the 15 year period beginning with the day on which the qualifying relevant offender gives the relevant notification; or

(b)where the qualifying relevant offender was under 18 on the relevant date, the day after the end of the 8 year period beginning with the day on which the qualifying relevant offender gives the relevant notification.

(3)Subject to subsections (4) to (6), the further qualifying date is the day after the end of the 8 year period beginning with the day on which the relevant chief officer of police makes a determination under section 91C to require a qualifying relevant offender to remain subject to the indefinite notification requirements.

(4)Subsection (5) applies if the relevant chief officer of police, when making a determination under section 91C to require a qualifying relevant offender to remain subject to the indefinite notification requirements, considers that the risk of sexual harm posed by a qualifying relevant offender is sufficient to justify a continuation of those requirements after the end of the 8 year period beginning with the day on which the determination is made.

(5)If this subsection applies, the relevant chief officer of police may make a determination to require a qualifying relevant offender to remain subject to the indefinite notification requirements for a period which may be no longer than the 15 year period beginning with the day on which the determination is made.

(6)If subsection (5) applies, the further qualifying date is the day after the end of the period determined under that subsection.

(7)The qualifying date must not be earlier than the expiry of the fixed period specified in a notification continuation order made in relation to a qualifying relevant offender in accordance with sections 88A to 88I.

(8)The relevant chief officer of police within 14 days of receipt of an application for review—

(a)must give an acknowledgment of receipt of the application to the qualifying relevant offender, and

(b)may notify a responsible body that the application has been made.

(9)Where a responsible body is notified of the application for review under subsection (8)(b) and holds information which it considers to be relevant to the application, the responsible body must give such information to the relevant chief officer of police within 28 days of receipt of the notification.

(10)In this section “the relevant notification” means the first notification which the relevant offender gives under section 83, 84 or 85 when he is first released after—

(a)being remanded in or committed to custody by an order of a court in relation to the conviction for the offence giving rise to the indefinite notification requirements;

(b)serving a sentence of imprisonment or a term of service detention in relation to that conviction;

(c)being detained in hospital in relation to that conviction.

(11)For the purposes of this Part—

(a)“responsible body” means—

(i)the probation trust for any area that includes any part of the police area concerned,

(ii)in relation to any part of the police area concerned for which there is no probation trust, each provider of probation services which has been identified as a relevant provider of probation services for the purposes of section 325 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 by arrangements under section 3 of the Offender Management Act 2007,

(iii)the Minister of the Crown exercising functions in relation to prisons (and for this purpose “prison” has the same meaning as in the Prison Act 1952), and

(iv)each body mentioned in section 325(6) of the Criminal Justice Act 2003, but as if the references in that subsection to the relevant area were references to the police area concerned;

(b)“risk of sexual harm” means a risk of physical or psychological harm to the public in the United Kingdom or any particular members of the public caused by the qualifying relevant offender committing one or more of the offences listed in Schedule 3.

Textual Amendments

91CReview of indefinite notification requirements: determination of application for reviewE+W

(1)The relevant chief officer of police must, within 6 weeks of the latest date on which any body to which a notification has been given under section 91B(8)(b) may give information under section 91B(9)—

(a)determine the application for review, and

(b)give notice of the determination to the qualifying relevant offender.

(2)For the purposes of the determination of an application for review under this section, a qualifying relevant offender must satisfy the relevant chief officer of police that it is not necessary for the purpose of protecting the public or any particular members of the public from sexual harm for the qualifying relevant offender to remain subject to the indefinite notification requirements.

(3)If the relevant chief officer of police determines under this section that the qualifying relevant offender should remain subject to the indefinite notification requirements, the notice of the determination must—

(a)contain a statement of reasons for the determination, and

(b)inform the qualifying relevant offender that he may appeal the determination in accordance with section 91E.

(4)If the relevant chief officer of police determines under this section that a qualifying relevant offender should not remain subject to the indefinite notification requirements, the qualifying relevant offender ceases to be subject to the indefinite notification requirements on the date of receipt of the notice of determination.

(5)The Secretary of State may by order amend the period in subsection (1).

Textual Amendments

91DReview of indefinite notification requirements: factors applying to determination under section 91CE+W

(1)In determining an application for review under section 91C, the relevant chief officer of police must—

(a)have regard to information (if any) received from a responsible body;

(b)consider the risk of sexual harm posed by the qualifying relevant offender and the effect of a continuation of the indefinite notification requirements on the offender; and

(c)take into account the matters listed in subsection (2).

(2)The matters are—

(a)the seriousness of the offence in relation to which the qualifying relevant offender became subject to the indefinite notification requirements;

(b)the period of time which has elapsed since the qualifying relevant offender committed the offence (or other offences);

(c)where the qualifying relevant offender falls within section 81(1), whether the qualifying relevant offender committed any offence under section 3 of the Sex Offenders Act 1997;

(d)whether the qualifying relevant offender has committed any offence under section 91;

(e)the age of the qualifying relevant offender at the qualifying date or further qualifying date;

(f)the age of the qualifying relevant offender at the time the offence referred to in paragraph (a) was committed;

(g)the age of any person who was a victim of any such offence (where applicable) and the difference in age between the victim and the qualifying relevant offender at the time the offence was committed;

(h)any assessment of the risk posed by the qualifying relevant offender which has been made by a responsible body under the arrangements for managing and assessing risk established under section 325 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003;

(i)any submission or evidence from a victim of the offence giving rise to the indefinite notification requirements;

(j)any convictions or findings made by a court (including by a court in Scotland, Northern Ireland or countries outside the United Kingdom) in respect of the qualifying relevant offender for any offence listed in Schedule 3 other than the one referred to in paragraph (a);

(k)any caution which the qualifying relevant offender has received for an offence (including for an offence in Northern Ireland or countries outside the United Kingdom) which is listed in Schedule 3;

(l)any convictions or findings made by a court in Scotland, Northern Ireland or countries outside the United Kingdom in respect of the qualifying relevant offender for any offence listed in Schedule 5 where the behaviour of the qualifying relevant offender since the date of such conviction or finding indicates a risk of sexual harm;

(m)any other submission or evidence of the risk of sexual harm posed by the qualifying relevant offender;

(n)any evidence presented by or on behalf of the qualifying relevant offender which demonstrates that the qualifying relevant offender does not pose a risk of sexual harm; and

(o)any other matter which the relevant chief officer of police considers to be appropriate.

(3)In this section, a reference to a conviction, finding or caution for an offence committed in a country outside the United Kingdom means a conviction, finding or caution for an act which—

(a)constituted an offence under the law in force in the country concerned, and

(b)would have constituted an offence listed in Schedule 3 or Schedule 5 if it had been done in any part of the United Kingdom.

Textual Amendments

91EReview of indefinite notification requirements: appealsE+W

(1)A qualifying relevant offender may appeal against a determination of the relevant chief officer of police under section 91C.

(2)An appeal under this section may be made by complaint to a magistrates’ court within the period of 21 days beginning with the day of receipt of the notice of determination.

(3)A qualifying relevant offender may appeal under this section to any magistrates’ court in a local justice area which includes any part of the police area for which the chief officer is the relevant chief officer of police.

(4)If the court makes an order that a qualifying relevant offender should not remain subject to the indefinite notification requirements, the qualifying relevant offender ceases to be subject to the indefinite notification requirements on the date of the order.

Textual Amendments

91FReview of indefinite notification requirements: guidanceE+W

(1)The Secretary of State must issue guidance to relevant chief officers of police in relation to the determination by them of applications made under section 91B.

(2)The Secretary of State may, from time to time, revise the guidance issued under subsection (1).

(3)The Secretary of State must arrange for any guidance issued or revised under this section to be published in such manner as the Secretary of State considers appropriate.]

Textual Amendments

92Certificates for purposes of Part 2U.K.

(1)Subsection (2) applies where on any date a person is—

(a)convicted of an offence listed in Schedule 3;

(b)found not guilty of such an offence by reason of insanity; or

(c)found to be under a disability and to have done the act charged against him in respect of such an offence.

(2)If the court by or before which the person is so convicted or found—

(a)states in open court—

(i)that on that date he has been convicted, found not guilty by reason of insanity or found to be under a disability and to have done the act charged against him, and

(ii)that the offence in question is an offence listed in Schedule 3, and

(b)certifies those facts, whether at the time or subsequently,

the certificate is, for the purposes of this Part, evidence (or, in Scotland, sufficient evidence) of those facts.

(3)Subsection (4) applies where on any date a person is, in England and Wales or Northern Ireland, cautioned in respect of an offence listed in Schedule 3.

(4)If the constable—

(a)informs the person that he has been cautioned on that date and that the offence in question is an offence listed in Schedule 3, and

(b)certifies those facts, whether at the time or subsequently, in such form as the Secretary of State may by order prescribe,

the certificate is, for the purposes of this Part, evidence (or, in Scotland, sufficient evidence) of those facts.

93[F221Abolished homosexual offences][F221Acts which are no longer offences]E+W+N.I.

Schedule 4 (procedure for ending notification requirements for [F222abolished homosexual offences] [F222acts which are no longer offences]) has effect.

Textual Amendments

F221S. 93 heading substituted (N.I.) (26.4.2013) by Criminal Justice Act (Northern Ireland) 2013 (c. 7), ss. 3(2)(a), 15(1)

F222Words in s. 93 substituted (N.I.) (26.4.2013) by Criminal Justice Act (Northern Ireland) 2013 (c. 7), ss. 3(2)(b), 15(1)

Information for verificationU.K.

94Part 2: supply of information to Secretary of State etc. for verificationU.K.

(1)This section applies to information notified to the police under—

(a)section 83, 84 or 85, or

(b)section 2(1) to (3) of the Sex Offenders Act 1997 (c. 51).

(2)A person within subsection (3) may, for the purposes of the prevention, detection, investigation or prosecution of offences under this Part, supply information to which this section applies to—

(a)the Secretary of State,

F223(aa). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(b)a Northern Ireland Department, or

(c)a person providing services to the Secretary of State F224... or a Northern Ireland Department in connection with a relevant function,

for use for the purpose of verifying the information.

(3)The persons are—

(a)a chief officer of police (in Scotland, [F225the chief constable of the Police Service of Scotland]),

[F226(b)the Director General of the National Crime Agency.]

(4)In relation to information supplied under subsection (2) to any person, the reference to verifying the information is a reference to—

(a)checking its accuracy by comparing it with information held—

(i)where the person is the Secretary of State F227... or a Northern Ireland Department, by him or it in connection with the exercise of a relevant function, or

(ii)where the person is within subsection (2)(c), by that person in connection with the provision of services referred to there, and

(b)compiling a report of that comparison.

(5)Subject to subsection (6), the supply of information under this section is to be taken not to breach any restriction on the disclosure of information (however arising or imposed).

(6)This section does not authorise the doing of anything that contravenes [F228the data protection legislation].

(7)This section does not affect any power existing apart from this section to supply information.

(8)In this section—

Textual Amendments

F226S. 94(3)(b) substituted for s. 94(3)(b)(c) (7.10.2013) by Crime and Courts Act 2013 (c. 22), s. 61(2), Sch. 8 para. 154; S.I. 2013/1682, art. 3(v)

95Part 2: supply of information by Secretary of State etc.U.K.

(1)A report compiled under section 94 may be supplied by—

(a)the Secretary of State,

F231(aa). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(b)a Northern Ireland Department, or

(c)a person within section 94(2)(c),

to a person within subsection (2).

(2)The persons are—

(a)a chief officer of police (in Scotland, [F232the chief constable of the Police Service of Scotland]),

[F233(b)the Serious Organised Crime Agency.]

(3)Such a report may contain any information held—

(a)by the Secretary of State F234... or a Northern Ireland Department in connection with the exercise of a relevant function, or

(b)by a person within section 94(2)(c) in connection with the provision of services referred to there.

(4)Where such a report contains information within subsection (3), the person within subsection (2) to whom it is supplied—

(a)may retain the information, whether or not used for the purposes of the prevention, detection, investigation or prosecution of an offence under this Part, and

(b)may use the information for any purpose related to the prevention, detection, investigation or prosecution of offences (whether or not under this Part), but for no other purpose.

(5)Subsections (5) to (8) of section 94 apply in relation to this section as they apply in relation to section 94.