Understanding Sexual Grooming in UK Law
Sexual grooming is a serious offence under UK law, carrying severe penalties that can have far-reaching consequences. Those found guilty of sexual grooming face imprisonment and enduring damage to their personal lives, careers, and reputations. It’s important to clarify what sexual grooming entails, the legal framework in the UK, the potential penalties for these offences, and what individuals should do if they are accused. We highly advise contacting a solicitor who specialises in sexual offences if you are under investigation for a sexual grooming case.
What Constitutes Sexual Grooming?
In summary, the prosecution will need to demonstrate that the accused has tried to establish a relationship, gaining trust, or emotionally manipulating a child with the intention of preparing them for sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, or trafficking. Any form of communication with the purpose of sexual abuse, whether in person or online, can be considered sexual grooming. Alleged perpetrators of child grooming often engage in long-term manipulation, carefully planning their actions. In some cases, the prosecution might produce evidence that alleged offenders have established relationships with the young person’s family or friends to appear more trustworthy or authoritative.
Examples of Sexual Grooming
Sexual grooming can manifest in various ways, including text messaging, messaging apps, emails, social media interactions, forums, text or voice chats in games and apps, and in-person meetings. Specific criminal offences often connected to sexual grooming include sexual communication with a child, causing a child to witness a sexual act, meeting a child following sexual grooming, causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity, and causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity.
Penalties for Sexual Grooming Offences
The potential penalties for sexual grooming vary depending on the offences charged, and factors such as aggravating or mitigating circumstances and the presence of a guilty plea are considered. The following are the maximum penalties for criminal violations associated with sexual grooming as prescribed by UK law:
- Sexual communication with a child: Up to 2 years imprisonment.
- Causing a child to watch a sexual act: Up to 10 years imprisonment.
- Meeting a child following sexual grooming: Up to 10 years imprisonment.
- Causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity: Up to 14 years imprisonment.
- Causing or starting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity: Up to 14 years imprisonment.
It is important to note that penalties may be more severe if the grooming occurred over an extended period, the victim attempted to cut off communications, or the offender held a position of trust. Other aggravating features might include, the use of alcohol of drugs, the difference in age between the offender and the child and the level of harm.
Additional Consequences of Sexual Grooming Offenses
Beyond the penalties, there are further potential consequences for those charged with sexual grooming offences.
Sexual Offences Notification Requirements, commonly refereed to as the Sex Offenders Register place other obligations on the individual relating to travel and notifying the police where they live etc.
Ancillary Orders: The court may issue other ancillary orders such as a Sexual Harm Prevention Oder SHPO in which other conditions can be imposed which might relate to contact with children, internet use or allowing police access to other information such as bank accounts or digital devices.
What to Do if Accused of Sexual Grooming
If you are under investigation or facing charges of sexual grooming, it is crucial to seek the assistance of a specialist sexual offence solicitor promptly. Having competent legal representation can significantly affect whether you are charged or not. The potential sentences for sexual grooming offences are severe, with imprisonment a real possibility.
Additionally, being placed on the Sex Offenders Register can profoundly impact your life and your family’s. By consulting with a criminal defence solicitor experienced in sexual offences, you can receive tailored support. At Burton Copeland, our specialist sex offence solicitors work to support those facing investigations. To discuss a case with a criminal defence solicitor, please call our Manchester office on 01618279500. You can also fill in our online contact form and let us know a suitable time for us to contact you.