KembaraXtra - Legal Terms - Sexual Offence

A sexual offence is any criminal offence involving sexual intercourse or another prohibited sexual act.

The principal sexual offences under the Sexual Offences Act 2003 include:

• Rape
• Assault by penetration
• Sexual assault
• Various offences involving sexual activity with children

Individuals convicted or cautioned for specified sexual offences are subject to the sex offender notification requirements (commonly known as the sex offenders register).

Those subject to notification requirements must:

• register with the police;
• notify the police of changes to personal details, including any change of address; and
• comply with continuing reporting obligations for the prescribed notification period.

Failure to notify a change of address within 14 days is a criminal offence punishable by:

• summary conviction: up to 6 months’ imprisonment and/or a fine; or
• conviction on indictment: up to 5 years’ imprisonment.

These notification requirements are intended to assist police in monitoring offenders and protecting the public.