Sexual Offences Definitive Guideline DEFINITIVE GUIDELINE

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Sexual Offences

Definitive Guideline ^DEFINITIVE

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Applicability of guideline 7

Rape and assault offences 9

Rape 9

Sexual Offences Act 2003 (section 1)

Assault by penetration 13

Sexual assault 17

Causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent 21

Offences where the victim is a child 27

Rape of a child under 13 27

Assault of a child under 13 by penetration 33

Sexual assault of a child under 13 37

Causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity 41 Sexual Offences Act 2003 (section 8)

Sexual activity with a child 45

Causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity 45

Sexual activity with a child family member 51

Inciting a child family member to engage in sexual activity 51

Engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child 57

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Causing a child to watch a sexual act 57 Sexual Offences Act 2003 (section 12)

Arranging or facilitating the commission of a child sex offence 61

Meeting a child following sexual grooming 63

Abuse of position of trust: sexual activity with a child 67

Abuse of position of trust: causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity 67 Sexual Offences Act 2003 (section 17)

Abuse of position of trust: sexual activity in the presence of a child 71 Sexual Offences Act 2003 (section 18)

Abuse of position of trust: causing a child to watch a sexual act 71 Sexual Offences Act 2003 (section 19)

Indecent images of children 75

Possession of indecent photograph of child 75

Criminal Justice Act 1988 (section 160)

Indecent photographs of children 75

Protection of Children Act 1978 (section 1)

Exploitation offences 81

Causing or inciting prostitution for gain 81

Controlling prostitution for gain 81

Keeping a brothel used for prostitution 85

Sexual Offences Act 1956 (section 33A)

Causing or inciting sexual exploitation of a child 89

Controlling a child in relation to sexual exploitation 89

Arranging or facilitating sexual exploitation of a child 89

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Paying for the sexual services of a child 95 Sexual Offences Act 2003 (section 47)

Trafficking people for sexual exploitation 99

Sexual Offences Act 2003 (sections 59A)

Offences against those with a mental disorder 103

Sexual activity with a person with a mental disorder impeding choice 103 Sexual Offences Act 2003 (section 30)

Causing or inciting a person, with a mental disorder impeding choice, 103 to engage in sexual activity

Engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a person with mental disorder 109 impeding choice

Causing a person, with mental disorder impeding choice, to watch a sexual act 109 Sexual Offences Act 2003 (section 33)

Inducement, threat or deception to procure sexual activity 113

with a person with a mental disorder Sexual Offences Act 2003 (section 34)

Causing a person with a mental disorder to engage in or agree to engage 113 in sexual activity by inducement, threat or deception

Engaging in sexual activity in the presence, procured by inducement, 117 threat or deception, of a person with a mental disorder

Causing a person with a mental disorder to watch a sexual act by inducement, 117 threat or deception

Care workers: sexual activity with a person with a mental disorder 121 Sexual Offences Act 2003 (section 38)

Care workers: causing or inciting sexual activity 121

Care workers: sexual activity in the presence of a person with a mental disorder 125 Sexual Offences Act 2003 (section 40)

Care workers: causing a person with a mental disorder to watch a sexual act 125 Sexual Offences Act 2003 (section 41)

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Other sexual offences 129

Exposure 129

Voyeurism 133

Sex with an adult relative: penetration 137

Sex with an adult relative: consenting to penetration 137

Administering a substance with intent 141

Committing an offence with intent to commit a sexual offence 145

Trespass with intent to commit a sexual offence 147

Guidance regarding offences committed by offenders 151 under the age of 18 (no definitive guidelines are included)

Child sex offences committed by children or young persons (sections 9–12)

(offender under 18) 151

Sexual activity with a child family member (offender under 18) 151

Inciting a child family member to engage in sexual activity (offender under 18) 151 Sexual Offences Act 2003 (section 26)

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Annex A: Ancillary orders 153

Automatic orders on conviction 154

Annex B: Approach to sentencing historic sexual offences 155

Annex C: Historic offences 157

Annex D: Fine bands and community orders 160

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Applicability of guideline

In accordance with section 120 of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009, the Sentencing Council issues this definitive guideline. It applies to all offenders aged 18 and older, who are sentenced on or after 1 April 2014.

Section 125(1) of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009 provides that when sentencing offences committed on or after 6 April 2010:

“Every court –

(a) must, in sentencing an offender, follow any sentencing guideline which is relevant to the offender’s case, and

(b) must, in exercising any other function relating to the sentencing of offenders, follow any sentencing guidelines which are relevant to the exercise of the function,

unless the court is satisfied that it would be contrary to the interests of justice to do so.”

This guideline applies only to offenders aged 18 and older. General principles to be considered in the sentencing of youths are in the Sentencing Guidelines Council’s definitive guideline, Overarching Principles – Sentencing Youths.

Structure, ranges and starting points For the purposes of section 125(3)–(4) of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009, the guideline specifies offence ranges – the range of sentences appropriate for each type of offence. Within each offence, the Council has specified different categories which reflect varying degrees of

seriousness. The offence range is split into category ranges – sentences appropriate for each level of seriousness. The Council has also identified a starting point within each category.

Starting points define the position within a category range from which to start calculating the provisional sentence. Starting points apply to all offences within the corresponding category and are applicable to all offenders, in all cases.

Once the starting point is established, the court should consider further aggravating and mitigating factors and previous convictions so as to adjust the sentence within the range. Starting points and ranges apply to all offenders, whether they have pleaded guilty or been convicted after trial. Credit for a guilty plea is taken into consideration only at step four in the decision making process, after the appropriate sentence has been identified.

Information on ancillary orders is set out at Annex A on page 153. Information on historic offences is set out at Annexes B and C on pages 155 and 157.

Information on community orders and fine bands is set out at Annex D on page 160.

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RAPE

RapeSexual Offences Act 2003 (section 1)

Triable only on indictment Maximum: Life imprisonment

Offence range: 4 – 19 years’ custody

This is a serious specified offence for the purposes of sections 224 and 225(2) (life sentence for serious offences) of the Criminal Justice Act 2003.

For offences committed on or after 3 December 2012, this is an offence listed in Part 1 of Schedule 15B for the purposes of sections 224A (life sentence for second listed offence) of the Criminal Justice Act 2003.

For convictions on or after 3 December 2012 (irrespective of the date of commission of the offence), this is a specified offence for the purposes of section 226A (extended sentence for certain violent or sexual offences) of the Criminal Justice Act 2003.

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STEP ONE

Determining the offence category

The court should determine which categories of harm and culpability the offence falls into by reference only to the tables below.

Offences may be of such severity, for example involving a campaign of rape, that sentences of 20 years and above may be appropriate.

Harm

Category 1 The extreme nature of one or more category 2 factors or the extreme impact caused by a combination of category 2 factors may elevate to category 1

Category 2 • Severe psychological or physical harm Pregnancy or STI as a consequence of

• offence

Additional degradation/humiliation

• Abduction

• Prolonged detention/sustained

• incident

Violence or threats of violence (beyond

• that which is inherent in the offence) Forced/uninvited entry into victim’s

• home

Victim is particularly vulnerable due to

• personal circumstances*

* for children under 13 please refer to the guideline on page 27

Category 3 Factor(s) in categories 1 and 2 not present

Culpability A

Significant degree of planning

Offender acts together with others to commit the offence Use of alcohol/drugs on victim to facilitate the offence Abuse of trust

Previous violence against victim Offence committed in course of burglary Recording of the offence

Commercial exploitation and/or motivation Offence racially or religiously aggravated

Offence motivated by, or demonstrating, hostility to the victim based on his or her sexual orientation (or presumed sexual orientation) or transgender identity (or presumed transgender identity)

Offence motivated by, or demonstrating, hostility to the victim based on his or her disability (or presumed disability) B

Factor(s) in category A not present

STEP TWO

Starting point and category range

Having determined the category, the court should use the corresponding starting points to reach a sentence within the category range on the next page. The starting point applies to all offenders

irrespective of plea or previous convictions. Having determined the starting point, step two allows further adjustment for aggravating or mitigating features set out on the next page.

A case of particular gravity, reflected by multiple features of culpability or harm in step one, could merit upward adjustment from the starting point before further adjustment for aggravating or mitigating

RAPE

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Category 1 Starting point

15 years’ custody Starting point

12 years’ custody Category range

13 – 19 years’ custody Category range

10 – 15 years’ custody

The table below contains a non-exhaustive list of additional factual elements providing the context of the offence and factors relating to the offender. Identify whether any combination of these, or other relevant factors, should result in an upward or downward adjustment from the starting point. In particular, relevant recent convictions are likely to result in an upward adjustment. In some cases, having considered these factors, it may be appropriate to move outside the identified category range.

Aggravating factors

Statutory aggravating factors

Previous convictions, having regard to a) the nature of the offence to which the conviction relates and its relevance to the current offence; and b) the time that has elapsed since the conviction

Offence committed whilst on bail Other aggravating factors

Specific targeting of a particularly vulnerable victim Ejaculation (where not taken into account at step one) Blackmail or other threats made (where not taken into account at step one)

Location of offence Timing of offence

Use of weapon or other item to frighten or injure

Victim compelled to leave their home (including victims of domestic violence)

Failure to comply with current court orders Offence committed whilst on licence

Exploiting contact arrangements with a child to commit an offence

Presence of others, especially children

Any steps taken to prevent the victim reporting an incident, obtaining assistance and/or from assisting or supporting the prosecution

Attempts to dispose of or conceal evidence

Commission of offence whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Mitigating factors

No previous convictions or no relevant/recent convictions Remorse

Previous good character and/or exemplary conduct*

Age and/or lack of maturity where it affects the responsibility of the offender

Mental disorder or learning disability, particularly where linked to the commission of the offence

* Previous good character/exemplary conduct is different from having no previous convictions. The more serious the offence, the less the weight which should normally be attributed to this factor. Where previous good character/exemplary conduct has been used to facilitate the offence, this mitigation should not normally be allowed and such conduct may constitute an aggravating factor.

In the context of this offence, previous good character/exemplary conduct should not normally be given any significant weight and will not normally justify a reduction in what would otherwise be the appropriate sentence.

RAPE

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RAPE

STEP THREE

Consider any factors which indicate a reduction, such as assistance to the prosecution The court should take into account sections 73 and 74 of the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005 (assistance by defendants: reduction or review of sentence) and any other rule of law by virtue of which an offender may receive a discounted sentence in consequence of assistance given (or offered) to the prosecutor or investigator.

STEP FOUR

Reduction for guilty pleas

The court should take account of any potential reduction for a guilty plea in accordance with section 144 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 and the Guilty Plea guideline.

STEP FIVE Dangerousness

The court should consider whether having regard to the criteria contained in Chapter 5 of Part 12 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 it would be appropriate to award a life sentence (section 224A or section 225(2)) or an extended sentence (section 226A). When sentencing offenders to a life sentence under these provisions, the notional determinate sentence should be used as the basis for the setting of a minimum term.

STEP SIX

Totality principle

If sentencing an offender for more than one offence, or where the offender is already serving a sentence, consider whether the total sentence is just and proportionate to the offending behaviour.

STEP SEVEN Ancillary orders

The court must consider whether to make any ancillary orders. The court must also consider what other requirements or provisions may automatically apply. Further information is included at Annex A on page 153.

STEP EIGHT Reasons

Section 174 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 imposes a duty to give reasons for, and explain the effect of, the sentence.

STEP NINE

Consideration for time spent on bail

The court must consider whether to give credit for time spent on bail in accordance with section 240A of the Criminal Justice Act 2003.

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ASSAULT BY PENETRATION

Assault by penetration

Offence range: Community order – 19 years’ custody

For offences committed on or after 3 December 2012, this is an offence listed in Part 1 of Schedule 15B for the purposes of sections 224A (life sentence for second listed offence) of the Criminal Justice Act 2003.

For convictions on or after 3 December 2012 (irrespective of the date of commission of the offence), this is a specified offence for the purposes of section 226A (extended sentence for certain violent or sexual offences) of the Criminal Justice Act 2003

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STEP ONE

Harm

Category 2 • Severe psychological or physical harm Penetration using large or dangerous

• object(s)

• Abduction

• incident

Violence or threats of violence (beyond

• that which is inherent in the offence) Forced/uninvited entry into victim’s

• home

Culpability A

STEP TWO

Having determined the category, the court should use the corresponding starting points to reach a sentence within the category range on the next page. The starting point applies to all offenders irrespective of plea or previous convictions.

Having determined the starting point, step two allows further adjustment for aggravating or mitigating features, set out on the next page.

A case of particular gravity, reflected by multiple features of culpability or harm in step one, could merit upward adjustment from the starting point before further adjustment for aggravating or mitigating features, set out on the next page.

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High level community order – 4 years’ custody

When sentencing appropriate category 3 offences, the court should also consider the custody threshold as follows:

has the custody threshold been passed?

• if so, is it unavoidable that a custodial sentence be imposed?

• if so, can that sentence be suspended?

•

Aggravating factors

Specific targeting of a particularly vulnerable victim Blackmail or other threats made (where not taken into account at step one)

Mitigating factors

In the context of this offence, previous good character/exemplary conduct should not normally be given any significant weight and will not normally

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STEP THREE

STEP FOUR

STEP SIX

Totality principle

STEP NINE

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SEXUAL ASSAULT

Sexual assault

Triable either way

Maximum: 10 years’ custody

Offence range: Community order – 7 years’ custody

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SEXUAL ASSAULT

STEP ONE

Harm

Category 1 • Severe psychological or physical harm Abduction

• Violence or threats of violence

• Forced/uninvited entry into victim’s

• home

Category 2 • Touching of naked genitalia or naked breasts

Prolonged detention/sustained

• incident

• Victim is particularly vulnerable due to

Culpability A

Previous violence against victim Offence committed in course of burglary Recording of offence

STEP TWO

irrespective of plea or previous convictions. Having determined the starting point, step two allows further adjustment for aggravating or mitigating features, set out on the next page.

Where there is a sufficient prospect of rehabilitation, a community order with a sex offender treatment programme requirement under section 202 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 can be a proper alternative to

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SEXUAL ASSAULT

2 years 6 months’ custody Category range

1 year’s custody Category range

26 weeks’ custody Starting point

High level community order Category range

High level community order – 1 year’s custody

Category range

Medium level community order – 26 weeks’ custody

When sentencing appropriate category 2 or 3 offences, the court should also consider the custody threshold as follows:

•

Aggravating factors

Specific targeting of a particularly vulnerable victim Blackmail or other threats made (where not taken into account at step one)

Mitigating factors

Demonstration of steps taken to address offending behaviour

* Previous good character/exemplary conduct is different from having no previous convictions. The more serious the offence, the less the weight which should normally be attributed to this factor. Where previous good character/exemplary conduct has been used to facilitate the offence, this mitigation should not normally be allowed and such conduct may

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SEXUAL ASSAULT

STEP THREE

STEP FOUR

The court should consider whether having regard to the criteria contained in Chapter 5 of Part 12 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 it would be appropriate to award an extended sentence (section 226A).

STEP SIX

Totality principle

STEP NINE

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CAUSING A PERSON TO ENGAGE IN SEXUAL ACTIVITY WITHOUT CONSENT

Causing a person to engage in sexual activity without consent

Triable only on indictment (if penetration involved) – otherwise, triable either way

Maximum: Life imprisonment (if penetration involved) – otherwise, 10 years

Offence range: Community order – 7 years’ custody (if no penetration involved) / 19 years’ custody (if penetration involved)

This is a serious specified offence for the purposes of section 224 and, where the offence involved penetration, section 225(2) (life sentence for serious offences) of the Criminal Justice Act 2003.

For offences involving penetration, committed on or after 3 December 2012, this is an offence listed in Part 1 of Schedule 15B for the purposes of sections 224A (life sentence for second listed offence) of the Criminal Justice Act 2003.

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STEP ONE

Harm

Category 2 • Severe psychological or physical harm Penetration using large or dangerous

• object(s)

Pregnancy or STI as a consequence of

• offence

• Abduction

• incident

Violence or threats of violence

• home

Culpability A

STEP TWO

irrespective of plea or previous convictions. Having determined the starting point, step two allows further adjustment for aggravating or mitigating features, set out on the next page.

Where there is a sufficient prospect of rehabilitation, a community order with a sex offender treatment programme requirement under section 202 of the Criminal Justice Act 2003 can be a proper alternative to

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A B

Where offence did not involve penetration

A B

2 years 6 months’ custody Category range

1 year’s custody Category range

26 weeks’ custody Starting point

High level community order Category range

High level community order – 1 year’s custody

Category range

Medium level community order – 26 weeks’ custody

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When sentencing appropriate category 2 or 3 offences, the court should also consider the custody threshold as follows:

•

Aggravating factors

Specific targeting of a particularly vulnerable victim Ejaculation (where not taken into account at step one) Blackmail or other threats made (where not taken into account at step one)

Presence of others, especially children

Mitigating factors

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STEP FOUR

STEP SIX

Totality principle

STEP NINE

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RAPE OF A CHILD UNDER 13

Rape of a child under 13

Offence range: 6 – 19 years’ custody

For offences committed on or after 3 December 2012, this is an offence listed in Part 1 of Schedule 15B for the purposes of section 224A (life sentence for second listed offence) of the Criminal Justice Act 2003.

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STEP ONE

The court should determine which categories of harm and culpability the offence falls into by reference only to the tables on the next page.

Offences may be of such severity, for example involving a campaign of rape, that sentences of 20 years and above may be appropriate.

When dealing with the statutory offence of rape of a child under 13, the court may be faced with a wide range of offending behaviour.

Sentencers should have particular regard to the fact that these offences are not only committed through force or fear of force but may include exploitative behaviour towards a child which should be considered to indicate high culpability.

This guideline is designed to deal with the majority of offending behaviour which deserves a significant custodial sentence; the starting points and ranges reflect the fact that such offending merits such an approach. There may also be exceptional cases, where a lengthy community order with a requirement to participate in a sex offender treatment programme may be the best way of changing the offender’s behaviour and of protecting the public by preventing any repetition of the offence. This guideline may not be appropriate where the sentencer is satisfied that on the available evidence, and in the absence of exploitation, a young or particularly immature defendant genuinely believed, on reasonable grounds, that the victim was aged 16 or over and that they were engaging in lawful sexual activity.

Sentencers are reminded that if sentencing outside the guideline they must be satisfied that it would be contrary to the interests of justice to follow the guideline.

See page 29.

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Category 2 • Severe psychological or physical harm Pregnancy or STI as a consequence of

• offence

• Abduction

• Prolonged detention /sustained

• incident

Violence or threats of violence

• home

Child is particularly vulnerable due

• to extreme youth and/or personal circumstances

A

Offender acts together with others to commit the offence Use of alcohol/drugs on victim to facilitate the offence Grooming behaviour used against victim

Abuse of trust

Previous violence against victim Offence committed in course of burglary

Sexual images of victim recorded, retained, solicited or shared

Deliberate isolation of victim

See page 30.

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STEP TWO

Having determined the category, the court should use the corresponding starting points to reach a sentence within the category range below. The starting point applies to all offenders irrespective of plea or previous convictions. Having determined the starting point, step two allows further adjustment for aggravating or mitigating features, set out on the next page.

Sentencers should also note the wording set out at step one which may be applicable in exceptional cases.

A B

See page 31.

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Aggravating factors

Specific targeting of a particularly vulnerable child Ejaculation (where not taken into account at step one) Blackmail or other threats made (where not taken into account at step one)

Use of weapon or other item to frighten or injure Victim compelled to leave their home, school, etc Failure to comply with current court orders Offence committed whilst on licence

Presence of others, especially other children

Commission of offence whilst offender under the influence of alcohol or drugs

Victim encouraged to recruit others

Mitigating factors