Sexual offences
Arranging or facilitating the commission of a child sex offence
Sexual Offences Act 2003, s.14
England & Wales. Elements, mode of trial, maximum and defences — not a charging or outcome predictor.
- Triable
- See guideline / charging decision
- Maximum penalty
- Life imprisonment (penetrative, offences on/after 28 June 2022); otherwise see guideline
Actus reus
- Intentionally arranges or facilitates something that A intends to do, intends another to do, or believes another will do, in any part of the world, which if done will involve the commission of an offence under ss.9–13 (SOA 2003, s.14).
Mens rea
- Intention to arrange or facilitate, plus the intent or belief in s.14(1) about a ss.9–13 offence.
Defences
No arranging or facilitating · No intent/belief that a ss.9–13 offence would be committed · Statutory exception if the arrangement was to prevent the offence or to assist detection (read s.14(2)–(3) against the facts — do not assume it)
At the police station
Travel, hotel and chat-arrangement cases often complete before any meeting. Decoy officers still turn on what A intended.
When to involve a rep or solicitor
Police station advice is free under legal aid and is not means-tested. For this allegation we would normally want a solicitor involved early.
Authoritative sources for this page
Statute plus Sentencing Council (and CPS where listed) are the two primary sources we used for mode of trial, maximum and elements. Case links are from our verified registry only.
- Statute:Sexual Offences Act 2003, s.14 ↗
- Sentencing Council:Sentencing Council definitive guideline ↗
- CPS:CPS — Rape and sexual offences (full guidance) ↗