The offence
Section 15 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 makes it an offence to meet, or travel to meet, a child having communicated with them on at least two occasions with the intention of committing a sexual offence. The offence is triable either-way and carries up to 10 years’ imprisonment on indictment.
Defences
- No intention to commit a sexual offence
- Fewer than two occasions of communication, or no meeting or travel to meet
- Reasonable belief the person was an adult
- Disputed authorship or interpretation of communications
Sentencing and notification
The offence carries up to 10 years on indictment and triggers notification requirements. Decoy and online sting operations raise particular evidential issues that we analyse carefully.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. The offence can be committed where the defendant believed the person was a child, even if they were an adult decoy. The intent and the communications are central.
Up to 10 years’ imprisonment on indictment; the offence is triable either-way.
Conviction triggers notification requirements, and a sexual harm prevention order may be imposed.