Sexual Offences

“Get a top sexual offences barrister on your side from day 1”

The introduction of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 not only saw a change to the way in which some cases were tried, but also the introduction of a number of new offences, especially those regarding the use of the internet and digital devices. Grooming, and the possession of indecent images, were among the crimes to have been introduced, and both carry considerable sentences, as well as additional penalties to the offender.

Being accused of any crime can be harrowing for the defendant, but sexual offences are considered especially serious and they carry a stigma that can be difficult to bear. Ensuring that you have the best possible legal team, and ensuring that you can mount the best possible defence can help ensure that you endure as little disruption to your daily life as possible.

Grooming is the term that is given to the act of communicating with a minor with the intention of meeting them for sex. Although the grooming of children may occur using other methods of communication, the most common is the Internet. Children are rarely watched as closely as they should be, but it is also possible that minors may come across as being adults, whether intentionally or unintentionally. The defendant may need to prove that they believed that the victim was over the age of consent in order to claim their innocence.

The possession of indecent images is a charge that is most commonly used to charge people in possession of child pornography. Unfortunately, some Trojans and malicious software may plant these pictures on the hard drive of a computer, and so computer forensics may be required in order to determine whether the defendant knowingly downloaded the pictures, or whether they were covertly downloaded without the knowledge or consent of the user.

Sexual offences are treated very seriously by the courts, and possible defences may rest on a question of consent, or a question of knowledge. Such cases can be complex, may require the use of professionals like computer forensics experts, and can have a major impact on a person’s life, when a verdict is given. Proper and skilled legal representation is essential in all cases of this type.

Notable Cases

R v P- successfully defended a series of rape allegations alleged to have been committed with the context of a violent marriage.

R v D – historic homosexual rape allegations successfully stayed as an abuse of the courts process.

R v B – defended a catholic priest alleged to have committed multiple sexual offences against children over many years.

R v P – successful defence of a series of alleged ‘revenge’ rapes of very young children.

R v M – incest case historic allegation suggesting very long-term rapes of the defendants own children.

R v T – successfully negotiated a plea to sexual touching after lengthy negotiations with the prosecution regarding the Defendant’s youth, status as a victim of abuse, Autism and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

R v M – Scoutmaster accused of indecent images and sexual assaults successfully negotiated a plea to limited offences leading to a much reduced sentence.

R v K – successful plea negotiation in a case involving Genetic Sexual Attraction (GSM) mitigation presented included argument about the research in this area and the surprising number of individuals who have been affected by this condition.

What to do now

Getting in contact with Sam Stein QC is really simple. You can call him on 07958 331999 or send him an email by clicking here.