Sexual offences
Meeting a child following sexual grooming
Sexual Offences Act 2003, s.15
England & Wales. Elements, mode of trial, maximum and defences — not a charging or outcome predictor.
- Triable
- Either way
- Maximum penalty
- 10 years’ custody
Actus reus
- A (18 or over) has met or communicated with B on one or more occasions and subsequently A meets B, or travels/arranges to meet B, or B travels to meet A (SOA 2003, s.15(1)(a) — “one or more occasions” from 13 April 2015).
- B is under 16.
Mens rea
- A intends to do anything to or in respect of B, during or after the meeting, which if done would be a relevant offence under Part 1 (s.15(1)(b)).
- A does not reasonably believe B is 16 or over.
Defences
No prior meeting or communication · No subsequent meeting / travel / arrangement · No intent to commit a relevant offence · Reasonable belief B was 16 or over
Sentencing Council
Sentencing Council guideline effective 1 April 2014. Offence range: 1 – 7 years’ custody.
At the police station
The old “two occasions” threshold was lowered to one or more in 2015. Check dates. Travel with intent can complete the offence before any meeting.
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.15 ↗
- Sentencing Council:Sentencing Council definitive guideline ↗
- CPS:CPS — Rape and sexual offences (full guidance) ↗