Call us 0333 370 4333

Historic Sexual Offences

Expert Legal Defence for Historic Sexual Offences
We are committed to providing high-quality legal representation to those falsely accused of historic sexual offences.

We have been awarded Band 1 and Tier 1 status by the leading legal directories, Chambers UK and The Legal 500 for our work in this area. With our team of award-winning solicitors, you can trust us to represent you effectively, presenting your case with clarity and vigour.
Speak to a legal expert

Defending Your Future with Experience and Integrity

Facing accusations of historic sexual offences can be a significant shock. Serious allegations such as these can lead to severe legal consequences and have a devasting impact on your personal and professional life. Our team specialises in handling cases involving individuals who have been falsely accused of historic sexual offences.

With our extensive knowledge of the complexities and nuances surrounding historic sexual allegations, we are uniquely equipped to offer you a strong and thorough defence, ensuring your rights are safeguarded.

Our solicitors handle each case with sensitivity and discretion while employing a strategic defence. We meticulously analyse every detail of your situation and in cases where evidence is limited, our goal is to challenge the evidence presented by the CPS and ensure you receive a fair trial.

Being falsely accused of historic sexual offences can be overwhelming. However, we offer an in-depth initial consultation to understand your situation and provide you with clear, actionable advice on the best path forward. Let our experienced defence solicitors provide you with the legal expertise to protect your rights and your future.

Testimonials

A well-run firm with a brilliant team of lawyers
CHAMBERS UK
It has very bright individuals at all levels who know the system inside out
LEGAL 500
One of, if not the best, criminal specialist firms in the country
LEGAL 500

Got a question?

Can't find what you need? Get in touch with our experience team, who are happy to answer any questions you have. Call us on 0333 370 4333.

How can KANGS help?

Our team of specialist solicitors provide the following services:

  • Initial Consultation and Legal Advice: Confidential consultation to discuss the case details, provide an initial assessment and advise on legal rights and options.
  • Police interviews: representation during police interviews, ensuring our client's rights are protected.
    • Representation at a voluntary interview under caution
    • Representation at an interview under caution following arrest
  • Preparation of pre-charge representations to the CPS or Police
  • Representation in Magistrates’ Court and Crown Court proceedings
  • Recommendations on selecting a barrister or King's Counsel (KC), as the cross-examination of the complainant and other prosecution witnesses often plays a pivotal role in court proceedings.

Contact KANGS

The expert lawyers at KANGS are available to assist you. We can arrange initial consultations in person, by video call or telephone.

Please contact one of our experts listed below or contact us at:

E: info@kangssolicitors.co.uk

T: 0333 370 4333

 

What is a historic sex offence?

Historic sexual offences usually involve allegations that go back a number of years and are governed by two separate Acts of Parliament. Any sexual offence alleged to have been committed between 1957 and 1 May 2004 will be prosecuted under the Sexual Offences Act 1956.

On 1st May 2004 the Sexual Offences Act 2003 came into effect. So, any sexual offence that occurred on or after this date will be dealt with under the 2003 Act.

These offences are typically dealt with under the laws that were in place at the time they allegedly occurred, often under the Sexual Offences Act 1956, although there are exceptions.

What are the sentences for historic sex offences?

Attitudes towards sexual offences have evolved over time along with the law and sentencing guidelines. There is an argument that sentences should reflect the guidelines that were in effect at the time the offence was committed. However, some see this approach as controversial.

Those that oppose applying outdated sentencing guidelines argue that it fails to account for the evolving understanding of the impact of such crimes on victims. On the other hand, applying modern guidelines to past offences raises concerns about fairness and potential retroactive punishment.

As an example, under the Sexual Offences Act 1956, the offence of intercourse with a girl aged between 13 and 16 carried a maximum penalty of 2 years imprisonment. In contrast, under the Sexual Offences Act 2003, the maximum sentence for the same offence is 14 years, and if the child is under 13, the sentence can be life imprisonment.

What types of historic sexual offences might a person face charges for?

Sexual Offences Act 1956

  • Intercourse by force, intimidation, etc.
    • Rape of woman or man.
    • Procurement of woman by threats.
    • Procurement of woman by false pretences.
    • Administering drugs to obtain or facilitate intercourse.
  • Intercourse with girls under sixteen
    • Intercourse with girl under thirteen.
    • Intercourse with girl between thirteen and sixteen.
  • Intercourse with defective.
  • Incest
    • Incest by a man.
    • Incest by a woman.
  • Unnatural offences
    • Buggery.
    • Indecency between men.
  • Assaults
    • Indecent assault on a woman.
    • Indecent assault on a man.
    • Assault with intent to commit buggery.
  • Prostitution, procuration etc.
    • Causing prostitution of women.
    • Procuration of girl under twenty-one.
    • Detention of woman in brothel or other premises.
    • Permitting girl under thirteen to use premises for intercourse.
    • Permitting girl between thirteen and sixteen to use premises for intercourse.
    • Permitting defective to use premises for intercourse.
    • Causing or encouraging prostitution of, intercourse with, or indecent assault on, girl under sixteen.
    • Causing or encouraging prostitution of defective.
    • Man living on earnings of prostitution.
    • Woman exercising control over prostitute.

What is involved when investigating historic sex offences?

Investigating historical sex offences involves several steps and numerous considerations, including gathering evidence, interviewing complainants and witnesses, and collaborating with forensic experts.

Bringing charges for historic sexual offences presents several challenges. While modern technology, such as DNA analysis and digital forensics aids investigations, issues like the lack of physical evidence, faded memories and difficulty locating witnesses still pose significant obstacles.

When investigating a historical sexual offence, the police and Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) will often seek evidence to support the complainant's account of what took place and when. As previously mentioned, finding physical records is often rare. Therefore, investigations typically focus on identifying potential records from places like schools or hospitals that could corroborate the complainant’s account or on uncovering other possible complainants.

As part of the investigation, a defendant’s home might be searched for evidence, including the removal of electronic devices for analysis. They may be arrested or asked to come to the police station for an interview. The defendant has the right to have a solicitor present during questioning to ensure their rights are protected.

Who should I contact for advice and help if accused of historic sex offences?

It is imperative for a client to instruct an experienced solicitor as soon as being made aware of an allegation being made.

Crucially, it is always important to have a solicitor present in interview at the police station, whether it is an interview by appointment or under arrest.

Please contact us for advice and assistance.

Tel: 0333 370 4333

Email: info@kangssolicitors.co.uk

News & Insights

Criminal Litigation, Sexual Offences

Possession of Indecent Images Charges Withdrawn

KANGS has successfully defended an elderly client who had been charged with a single count involving indecent images. Our client, a gentleman of unblemished character, had, on the advice of his previous solicitor, entered a plea of ‘Guilty’ at the Magistrates’ Court. Unsure about the advice he had received earlier, he sought a second opinion. […]
Read More
09/10/24
Possession of Indecent Images Charges Withdrawn
Criminal Litigation, Sexual Offences
An indecent image is one of a child or children, aged under eighteen, which is sexual in nature. This can include nudity, partially clothed child(ren) or showing a child(ren) posing in a sexual manner. Such images may also include adults and animals. There is no legal definition of an indecent image and it is for […]
12/07/24
Criminal Litigation, Sexual Offences
KANGS has successfully defended our 29-year-old client, charged with sexual offences against children under Sections 10 and 15A of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 (‘the Act’). Helen Holder of KANGS reports on this successful outcome. The Relevant Law | Sexual Offences Act 2003 The Act provides as follows: Section 10 - Causing or inciting a […]
30/05/24
Criminal Litigation, Sexual Offences
The Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 introduced Sexual Harm Preventions Orders (a ‘SHPO’), to replace Sexual Offences Prevention Orders. A SHPO aims to protect the public from sexual harm by restricting the activities of the person against whom they are issued. For example, prohibiting the downloading of indecent images of children or access […]
24/05/24

Get in touch

Need legal assistance? Contact our experienced team for prompt and professional support.
Your privacy is important to us and all details you share will be kept confidential.
Old map of Birmingham