http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2003/42/schedule/4Sexual Offences Act 2003An Act to make new provision about sexual offences, their prevention and the protection of children from harm from other sexual acts, and for connected purposes.texttext/xmlenStatute Law Database2026-02-06Expert Participation2026-02-06 SCHEDULESSCHEDULE 4<Repeal ChangeId="key-7f5aaafe8155093a8e06ac42236311c2-1491320395111" CommentaryRef="key-7f5aaafe8155093a8e06ac42236311c2" RetainText="true" SubstitutionRef="key-7f5aaafe8155093a8e06ac42236311c2-1491320395112" Extent="N.I.">Procedure for ending notification requirements for abolished homosexual offences</Repeal><Addition ChangeId="key-7f5aaafe8155093a8e06ac42236311c2-1491320395112" CommentaryRef="key-7f5aaafe8155093a8e06ac42236311c2" Extent="N.I.">Procedure for ending notification requirements for acts which are no longer offences</Addition>Section 93<Emphasis>Scope of Schedule</Emphasis>1This Schedule applies where a relevant offender is subject to the notification requirements of this Part as a result of a conviction, finding or caution in respect of an offence under—asection 12 or 13 of the Sexual Offences Act 1956 (c. 69) (buggery or indecency between men), orbsection 61 of the Offences against the Person Act 1861 (c. 100) or section 11 of the Criminal Law Amendment Act 1885 (c. 69) (corresponding Northern Ireland offences).This Schedule applies where a relevant offender is subject to the notification requirements of this Part as a result of a conviction, finding or caution in respect of an offence under—asection 61 of the Offences against the Person Act 1861 or Article 19 of the Criminal Justice (Northern Ireland) Order 2003 (buggery);bsection 5 of the Criminal Law Amendment Act 1885 (carnal knowledge of girl under 17); orcsection 11 of that Act (gross indecency between men).<Emphasis>Application for decision</Emphasis>21The relevant offender may apply to the Secretary of State for a decision as to whether it appears that, at the time of the offence, the other party to the act of buggery or gross indecency—awhere paragraph 1(a) applies, was aged 16 or over,bwhere paragraph 1(b) applies, was aged 17 or over,and consented to the act.The relevant offender may apply to the Department of Justice for a decision as to whether it appears that, at the time of the offence, the other party to the act of buggery, carnal knowledge or gross indecency consented to the act and—athat other party was aged 16 or over, orbwhere an offender is subject to the notification requirements of this Part as a result of a conviction, the offender was convicted or sentenced on the basis that the offender honestly believed that other party was aged 16 or over.2An application must be in writing and state—athe name, address and date of birth of the relevant offender,bhis name and address at the time of the conviction, finding or caution,cso far as known to him, the time when and the place where the conviction or finding was made or the caution given and, for a conviction or finding, the case number,dsuch other information as the Secretary of State may require.3An application may include representations by the relevant offender about the matters mentioned in sub-paragraph (1).<Emphasis>Decision by Secretary of State</Emphasis>31In making the decision applied for, the Secretary of State must consider—aany representations included in the application, andbany available record of the investigation of the offence and of any proceedings relating to it that appears to him to be relevant,but is not to seek evidence from any witness.2On making the decision the Secretary of State must—arecord it in writing, andbgive notice in writing to the relevant offender.<Emphasis>Effect of decision</Emphasis>41If the Secretary of State decides that it appears as mentioned in paragraph 2(1), the relevant offender ceases, from the beginning of the day on which the decision is recorded under paragraph 3(2)(a), to be subject to the notification requirements of this Part as a result of the conviction, finding or caution in respect of the offence.2Sub-paragraph (1) does not affect the operation of this Part as a result of any other conviction, finding or caution or any court order.<Emphasis>Right of appeal</Emphasis>51If the Secretary of State decides that it does not appear as mentioned in paragraph 2(1), and if the High Court gives permission, the relevant offender may appeal to that court.2On an appeal the court may not receive oral evidence.3The court—aif it decides that it appears as mentioned in paragraph 2(1), must make an order to that effect,botherwise, must dismiss the appeal.4An order under sub-paragraph (3)(a) has the same effect as a decision of the Secretary of State recorded under paragraph 3(2)(a) has under paragraph 4.5There is no appeal from the decision of the High Court.<Emphasis>Interpretation</Emphasis>61In this Schedule a reference to an offence includes—aa reference to an attempt, conspiracy or incitement to commit that offence, andba reference to aiding, abetting, counselling or procuring the commission of that offence.2In the case of an attempt, conspiracy or incitement, references in paragraph 2 to the act of buggery, carnal knowledge or gross indecency are references to the act of buggery, carnal knowledge or gross indecency to which the attempt, conspiracy or incitement related (whether or not that act occurred).3Sub-paragraphs (1) and (2) apply, with appropriate modifications, to an offence under Part 2 of the Serious Crime Act 2007 as they apply to the offence of incitement.<Emphasis>Transitional provision</Emphasis>7Until the coming into force of the repeal by this Act of Part 1 of the Sex Offenders Act 1997 (c. 51), this Schedule has effect as if references to this Part of this Act were references to Part 1 of that Act.Sch. 4 para. 1 substituted (N.I.) (26.4.2013) by Criminal Justice Act (Northern Ireland) 2013 (c. 7), ss. 3(3), 15(1)Sch. 4 heading substituted (N.I.) (26.4.2013) by Criminal Justice Act (Northern Ireland) 2013 (c. 7), ss. 3(3), 15(1)Sch. 4 para. 2(1) substituted (N.I.) (26.4.2013) by Criminal Justice Act (Northern Ireland) 2013 (c. 7), ss. 3(4), 15(1)Words in Sch. 4 para. 6(2) inserted (N.I.) (26.4.2013) by Criminal Justice Act (Northern Ireland) 2013 (c. 7), ss. 3(5), 15(1)Sch. 4 para. 6(3) inserted (N.I.) (26.4.2013) by Criminal Justice Act (Northern Ireland) 2013 (c. 7), ss. 3(5), 15(1)