These offences carry a stigma and the allegations are incredibly damaging to your reputation. Our solicitors do not pre-judge you we recognise that you are innocent until proven guilty.
We recognise the difficulty in dealing with cases for clients where the allegations may relate to a time over 20 years ago.
We always fight for your interests and we do not accept the accusation made is true.
Types of offence
- Offences committed over the internet
- Abuse of trust
- Inciting and grooming offences
- Holding indecent images
- Sexual assault
- Rape
Sexual Assault
In law this can be touching of any part of the body, with any part of the body.
It can also be over clothing. If the person being touched does not consent to be touched this is considered a sexual assault. The issue will arise as to whether the Defendant believed there was consent. The jury will have to determine the facts of each case individually for example under the influence of alcohol, drugs or any vulnerability such as age and disability, when determining the outcome. Accidental touching his not a sexual assault.
The maximum sentence for sexual assault is 10 years imprisonment. Sentences will vary depending on the gravity of the assault and any other aspects that make the offence more serious.
Rape
This is sexual intercourse without consent. This can be vaginal, anal or oral intercourse committed by a man on a woman or on another man. This is an indictable only offence which has to be dealt with in the Crown Court and the maximum sentence is life imprisonment.
Sentences vary depending on the circumstances of the offence and any vulnerabilities including age of the victim at the time. For example for a single offender with the victim being 15 years old, the sentencing ranges from 6 to 11 years custody.
