The offence
Section 15A of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 creates the offence of sexual communication with a child. It applies where an adult intentionally communicates with a child under 16 (or someone believed to be under 16) for the purpose of obtaining sexual gratification, where the communication is sexual or intended to encourage a sexual response. The maximum sentence is two years’ imprisonment.
The offence was introduced to close a gap in the law, capturing grooming behaviour that fell short of arranging or meeting a child. Because the communication need only be ‘sexual’ or intended to encourage a sexual response, context and intent are central — and frequently contested.
How these cases arise
- Decoy and 'paedophile hunter' operations on dating apps and social media
- Police-led online undercover investigations
- Reports from the child, parents, or platform providers
- Discovery of messages during device examination for other offences
How we defend these cases
- Analysing the communication in full context — not just extracts
- Challenging the purpose of obtaining sexual gratification
- Examining whether the 'child' was believed to be under 16
- Scrutinising the legality and conduct of decoy operations
- Assessing disclosure and the handling of digital evidence
- Addressing mental health, neurodiversity, and sentencing mitigation
Decoy operations and the conduct of the investigation
Many of these cases arise from decoy operations — either police-led or carried out by private ‘paedophile hunter’ groups. The legality and conduct of those operations can be challenged: how the contact was initiated, whether the decoy was placed into the defendant’s path, and how the material was obtained and preserved.
We scrutinise the full exchange rather than the prosecution’s selected extracts. Context, tone, and the course of the conversation can transform the meaning of individual messages. We present the complete picture and test whether the required purpose — obtaining sexual gratification — is properly made out.
Sentencing and consequences
Although the maximum sentence is two years, conviction carries serious consequences — notification requirements, potential Sexual Harm Prevention Orders, and lasting reputational impact. We work to present all relevant mitigation, including evidence of remorse, lack of prior offending, and engagement with rehabilitative support.
For some defendants, mental health, neurodiversity, or social isolation are directly relevant to both the offence and the sentence. We ensure these factors are properly evidenced and presented, and we advise on the orders the court may impose alongside any sentence.
Frequently asked questions
No — the offence covers communicating with someone you believe to be a child. A decoy’s true age does not prevent conviction where the prosecution proves you believed the person was under 16. We examine the evidence of that belief carefully, including the exchanges themselves.
The communication must be sexual in nature or intended to encourage the child to engage in sexual activity. Context matters — seemingly ordinary messages can become sexual depending on intent. We analyse the full exchange rather than the prosecution’s selected extracts.
Conviction for a qualifying sexual offence triggers notification requirements. The duration depends on the sentence imposed. We advise on the precise consequences and on any order the court may impose alongside the sentence.
The maximum sentence is two years’ imprisonment. Although that is lower than many sexual offences, conviction carries serious consequences including notification requirements, potential Sexual Harm Prevention Orders, and lasting reputational impact. We present all relevant mitigation, including remorse, lack of prior offending, and engagement with rehabilitative support.
Yes. The legality and conduct of private decoy operations can be challenged — how the contact was initiated, whether the decoy was placed into your path, and how the material was obtained and preserved. We scrutinise the full exchange and the handling of digital evidence to test whether the offence is properly made out.