Sexual Offences

Matthew Claughton has considerable experience of dealing with cases at the investigation stage and his proactive approach is often effective in persuading the police not to charge as discussed here Sexual Offences – why this lawyer recommends proactive defence. 

Olliers’ specialist pre-charge team recently held a panel round table discussion discussing defending criminal allegations at the pre-charge stage. Olliers’ specialist lawyers canvassed different views in relation to charging decisions made by the prosecution, the police’s role in relation to the same, attitudes of the police/prosecution towards defence pre-charge engagement and whether such views have changed since the Attorney General’s Guidelines on Disclosure came into force. 

The panel discussed Olliers’ proactive and bespoke approach to pre-charge engagement as a leading firm undertaking this type of work. Click here to watch the panel discussion. 

Rape 

Rape is one of the most serious criminal charges a person can face, carrying a potential life imprisonment sentence upon conviction. Under UK law (Section 1 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003), rape is defined as: 

“One person intentionally penetrating another person’s vagina, anus, or mouth with a penis without the other person’s consent, and without a reasonable belief that the other person consents.” 

These cases often revolve around disputes about consent and differing accounts of events. 

If you are accused of rape, it is critical to have experienced legal representation from the very start. Our specialist rape defence lawyers have handled a vast number of such cases and understand how to meticulously gather and examine evidence to build a strong defence. From the earliest stages, we adopt a proactive strategy.  

If we are instructed during the police investigation (pre-charge) stage, we will act quickly to engage with the investigating officers on your behalf. We focus on the charging decision threshold – reminding the police and Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) that they must have a realistic prospect of conviction to charge an individual. We work to highlight evidence that supports your account – for example, text messages, emails, social media activity, CCTV footage, medical records, or witness statements that provide context and undermine the allegation. By presenting this material and making robust representations, our goal is often to persuade the authorities not to charge you at all. 

If a rape charge is brought and the case proceeds to court, our team applies a thorough, “no stone unturned” approach in preparing your defence. We leave nothing to chance: every aspect of the prosecution’s evidence is scrutinised, and all possible defence evidence is gathered. Olliers’ specialists have experience that few defence teams can match, and an extremely impressive acquittal rate in rape trials. We will ensure that the right barrister is carefully selected for your case – a barrister with specific expertise in serious sexual offence trials – to give you the best representation in court. Throughout the process, we handle your case with the utmost discretion and sensitivity, understanding the profound personal impact that a rape accusation carries for you and your loved ones. 

Sexual Assault 

Sexual assault refers to sexual touching of another person without consent. Under UK law (Section 3 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003), it is defined as: 

“One person intentionally touching another sexually without the other’s consent and without a reasonable belief in that consent.”  

Sexual assault is a serious offence – a conviction can carry up to 10 years’ imprisonment. Sexual assault by penetration, involves non-consensual sexual penetration with a part of the body or an object and carries a maximum of life imprisonment. While these offences are distinct from rape, they are also grave allegations that can drastically affect a person’s life. 

Olliers has significant experience defending clients accused of all forms of sexual assault. These cases may arise in various contexts: for example, an accusation might stem from a misunderstanding or miscommunication between acquaintances, an incident on a night out, or an allegation made against a professional in the workplace. 

We approach every case with the same thorough preparation and care. Our lawyers will take detailed instructions from you to understand your account of what happened. We will then seek out any evidence that can support your version of events or cast doubt on the allegation. This might include messages or emails that provide context to an encounter, CCTV footage or phone location data that contradicts the alleged timeline or identifying witnesses who can testify to your character or what they observed. 

As with rape cases, early involvement of our team is crucial in sexual assault matters. We can often make a difference by engaging with the police during the pre-charge engagement stage. By providing the authorities with relevant evidence or explanations early on, we may prevent a case from escalating to a charge. If charges are brought, our team’s meticulous case preparation and courtroom experience become invaluable. We understand how to challenge the credibility and reliability of evidence in sexual assault prosecutions, and we are skilled at cross-examining witnesses with sensitivity but firmness.  

Our priority is to robustly defend your rights while ensuring the court hears your side of the story clearly. Many of our clients accused of sexual assault have never been in trouble before; we know how frightening this situation is, and we guide you through it with clear advice and compassionate support at every step. 

Indecent Images Offences 

Indecent images offences involve the creation, possession, making or distribution of illegal sexual images, typically those depicting child pornography (indecent images of children). These offences carry severe penalties, including the possibility of imprisonment and mandatory sex offender registration. Simply being investigated in relation to indecent images can be devastating – it often involves the police seizing your computers, phones and other electronic devices for forensic examination. 

If you find yourself in this situation, Olliers Solicitors will act swiftly and discreetly to protect your interests. We always ensure early communication with the police, confirming the expected timeline of their investigation and insisting that any further contact with you goes through us. This helps prevent unexpected or embarrassing police visits to your home or workplace, and it allows us to manage the flow of information. Our team will discuss with you the circumstances that led to any material being seized, and we give you the opportunity to voice any concerns or anxieties you have about the investigation. Throughout the case, we handle matters with sensitivity and confidentiality, recognising the immense stress and stigma that such an investigation can cause. 

We will advise you on the exact nature of the allegations and the law in this area. There are several different offences that can be alleged, such as making indecent images (which in law includes downloading or saving images), possession of indecent images, and distributing or sharing indecent images. We will explain which of these offences you are being accused of and what the prosecution needs to prove for each. We will also clarify the categorisation of indecent images – in the UK, illegal images are graded in Categories A, B, or C (with Category A being the most serious) – and discuss the current sentencing guidelines that correspond to each category. This helps you understand the potential severity of the case against you. 

Importantly, our solicitors will explore whether there are grounds to prevent a prosecution or to mitigate the outcome. In some circumstances, if the images in question are of a lower category and you have taken positive steps to address any underlying issues, we can argue that a prosecution is not in the public interest. For example, if a client has voluntarily sought professional help (such as counselling or therapy) for an addiction or compulsion related to illegal pornography, we can present this to the authorities as powerful mitigation. We have successfully persuaded police and prosecutors to resolve cases without court action or to reduce charges, especially where clients demonstrate genuine remorse and a commitment to rehabilitation.  

If the case does proceed to court, we will mount a strong defence – this could involve challenging whether you knowingly possessed the material, whether someone else had access to your devices, or whether forensic procedures were properly followed during the investigation. We have considerable experience in dealing with technical computer evidence and can call upon our network of expert witnesses (such as forensic IT analysts or psychologists) to support your case when needed. Our ultimate aim is to achieve the best possible outcome, whether that be avoiding a charge altogether, securing a not guilty verdict, or minimising any penalties if there is a conviction. 

Grooming Offences 

“Grooming” in a criminal context refers to the process of building an emotional connection with a child (or someone who is vulnerable) to gain their trust for the purpose of sexual abuse or exploitation.  

In UK law, grooming offences often manifest as charges like arranging or facilitating the commission of a child sex offence, or meeting a child following sexual grooming. These offences usually involve some form of communication between an adult and a child (or someone the adult believes is a child) – for example, an accused person might be alleged to have chatted with a minor online over a period of time and then made plans to meet them to engage in illegal sexual activity. 

Allegations of grooming are extremely serious. They are typically charged under the Sexual Offences Act 2003 (such as Section 15, meeting a child following sexual grooming) or related laws, and they carry significant prison sentences. Beyond the legal penalties, being labelled as a “groomer” or child sex offender can destroy reputations and careers. We recognise how high the stakes are for anyone facing a grooming allegation, and we work tirelessly to defend our clients against these charges. 

Often, grooming cases involve complex evidence, such as lengthy social media or text message conversations, undercover sting operations, and sometimes vigilante “paedophile hunter” activity. In recent years it has become increasingly common for individuals or groups of private citizens to pose as children online in order to identify and expose potential offenders. This can lead to a scenario where you might be suddenly confronted or recorded by such a group and then later arrested, even if no actual child was directly involved. The involvement of these groups or undercover police decoys raises specific legal issues that we are adept at handling – for instance, questions of entrapment, the reliability and continuity of digital evidence, and whether proper procedures were followed by those collecting the evidence. 

Our team of solicitors will carefully analyse every aspect of the evidence in a grooming case. We look at how the communication was initiated and maintained, what exactly was said (and in what context), and the timeline of events. If the allegation involves an undercover officer or a decoy, we scrutinise their conduct. We also explore possible defences such as lack of intent (for example, perhaps the accused never actually intended to go through with a meeting) or even mistaken identity (if, for example, someone else was using your internet account at the time).  

From the moment we are engaged on a grooming case, we take immediate steps to protect you: advising you on how to handle any police interviews, making sure you know your rights (such as the right to legal representation during questioning), and, when appropriate, making representations to the CPS about evidential weaknesses in the case. Our experienced solicitors and the expert barristers we work with have achieved positive outcomes in many grooming and child exploitation cases – including situations where the case was dropped before charge or trial, and acquittals in court where cases did proceed. 

Throughout the process, we maintain a supportive, non-judgemental approach. We understand that individuals accused of these offences often feel isolated and fearful. Olliers will stand by you and fight your corner, while also handling the matter with the discretion required to protect your and your family’s privacy. 

Child Sexual Offences 

“Child sexual offences” is a broad term covering any sexual offence that involves a victim who is a minor. This encompasses many different charges, from sexual activity with a child (engaging in sexual acts with someone under the age of consent, which is 16) to offences against very young children under 13, as well as offences committed by people in positions of trust, and even historical allegations of abuse that occurred long ago. What these cases have in common is that the law and the courts treat them with particular severity because they involve the abuse or exploitation of children. 

The Sexual Offences Act 2003 lays out numerous specific offences to protect minors. The law distinguishes offences by the age of the child – with separate categories for offences against children under 13, under 16, and under 18. For example, any sexual activity with a child under 16 is unlawful even if the child seemingly consented, and if the child is under 13, consent is legally irrelevant (a child under 13 cannot consent under any circumstances). Offences against the youngest children carry the highest maximum penalties; for instance, rape of a child under 13 is punishable by up to life in prison. There are also laws that address situations like abuse of a position of trust, which applies when teachers, coaches, religious leaders, or other caregivers engage in sexual conduct with someone under 18 in their care. In such scenarios, an act that might be legal between two consenting adults becomes a criminal offence due to the age difference and the power dynamics involved. 

Olliers has substantial experience in defending clients facing the full range of child sexual offence allegations. These cases can be among the most challenging and emotionally charged. We approach them with a combination of tenacity and sensitivity. On one hand, our lawyers are determined to investigate and fight the charges thoroughly – we will obtain and review all available evidence, which might include social services records, school records, medical reports, and electronic communications (such as emails, texts, social media data), in addition to the usual witness statements and police evidence.  

We are often able to uncover information that aids the defence: for instance, inconsistencies in a child’s account over time, possible motives to fabricate allegations, or physical evidence that contradicts the alleged timeline of events. On the other hand, we are acutely aware of the delicate nature of these cases. We strive to handle client meetings, interviews, and case preparation in a way that is mindful and respectful of everyone involved. We also know that for our clients, just being accused is traumatic – so we make sure to keep you informed and supported at every stage, answering your questions and addressing your worries about what will happen. 

Our firm has a strong track record in both current and historic (non-recent) child sexual offence cases. Historical allegations have become more common in recent years. By their nature, they involve claims that something occurred many years or even decades in the past. Defending these cases requires particular expertise, because evidence may be scarce or memories faded. Olliers has successfully defended many historic abuse allegations over the years. We know how to probe the reliability of such old claims – for example, by checking if the timeline of the allegation fits with documented records, or if the accuser has a history of making similar complaints. We will look for witnesses who can support your account or provide an alibi, and we carefully consider whether a fair trial is possible given the time that has passed since the alleged events. Our extensive experience in this field means we can develop defence strategies to counter these especially difficult cases. 

Professionals 

We also frequently represent clients who are professionals facing child sexual offence allegations. For instance, we have defended teachers, medical professionals, care workers, and others who have been accused of inappropriate relationships or conduct in the course of their work. We appreciate the added layer of complexity in such cases – an investigation might threaten your career and professional reputation in addition to the criminal matter. Our team can often liaise with professional bodies or employers (when appropriate and with your consent) to help manage the situation, and we handle these matters with absolute discretion to protect your privacy. Additionally, we assist with any related legal issues, such as applications to vary or remove Sexual Harm Prevention Orders (SHPOs) or other court orders that might be imposed during or after an investigation. 

In summary, whatever the specific child-related allegation, you can trust us to provide a robust defence and compassionate guidance, always aiming for the most positive outcome achievable. That could mean an acquittal at trial, a case being dropped before it reaches court, or a significantly reduced penalty if a conviction cannot be avoided. 

Sexual Communication with a Child 

In April 2017, a new offence was introduced in UK law targeting a growing form of online offending: adults sending sexual content to children or soliciting sexual content from them. This offence criminalises any form of sexual communication with a child under 16, when done for the purpose of obtaining sexual gratification. In plain terms, if an adult (18 or over) intentionally sends a sexual message to someone they know or believe is under 16 – or tries to get the child to talk about sex or share sexual images – that adult is breaking the law. The communication has to be sexual in nature or intended to elicit a sexual response for it to count. It doesn’t matter whether this is done via text message, WhatsApp, social media, email, or any other medium – explicit sexual texts or chats with a minor are illegal, and even a single inappropriate conversation that comes to light can lead to an arrest and charge. 

These cases often start with undercover investigations or sting operations, much like grooming cases. Police officers might pose online as children, and sometimes private citizens or groups (so-called “paedophile hunter” vigilante groups) also pose as minors to catch offenders. As a result, a person can be accused of this offence even if they never actually interacted with a real child – because the “child” was in fact an adult decoy. The law is designed to punish the intention and attempt to communicate sexually with minors, regardless of whether the minor was real. 

If you are under investigation for sexual communication with a child, it is imperative to seek legal advice immediately. Our solicitors have deep familiarity with this relatively new law and have defended many individuals in these situations. We will examine the content of the communications line by line, because the prosecution must prove both the sexual nature of the communication and your intention behind it. Sometimes context can be disputed – for example, a message might be interpreted innocently or there may have been a misunderstanding about the recipient’s age. We also scrutinise the methods used by those who collected the evidence. If a vigilante group was involved, we will consider whether they entrapped the defendant or possibly manipulated the evidence. If the police conducted the operation, we ensure they followed proper protocol in preserving evidence and correctly identifying the suspect (linking the online persona to the real individual). 

Our approach in these cases is often to engage with the prosecution early. Once we have your side of the story and a clear understanding of the evidence, we can sometimes present information or explanations that influence the decision on whether to charge, or we can negotiate with the prosecutors on the appropriate way to handle the case. Where the evidence is clear and wrongdoing is admitted, our focus shifts to mitigation – demonstrating, for example, that this was a one-time lapse in judgment, that you have taken steps to address any problematic behaviour (such as engaging in counselling or a rehabilitation programme), and that you deeply regret the incident. Such factors can influence whether a prosecution goes ahead, or they can significantly affect the sentencing outcome if the case goes to court. Of course, if you maintain your innocence, we will vigorously defend you, possibly arguing lack of intent or knowledge (for instance, if someone else had access to your device or online accounts without your knowledge). Given the serious consequences of a conviction – which can include imprisonment and being placed on the Sex Offenders Register – we leave no avenue unexplored in your defence. You will have a dedicated solicitor guiding you, and if charges are brought, we will assemble a strong defence team on your behalf, including barristers who are experienced in internet-related sexual offence cases. 

Why Instruct Olliers Solicitors? 

When it comes to defending sexual offence allegations, experience and expertise make all the difference. Olliers Solicitors stands out as a top choice for individuals facing these challenging situations.  

Unmatched Expertise 

Olliers is firmly established as one of the UK’s leading criminal defence firms. We have decades of experience in sexual offence cases, and our team includes solicitors who have handled some of the most complex and high-profile matters in this field. Our specialists stay at the forefront of legal developments in sexual offence law to ensure we provide the most effective and cutting-edge defence strategies. We bring a level of expertise that few defence teams can match, giving you the best possible chance of a successful outcome. 

Proven Track Record 

Our results speak for themselves. We have an excellent record of achieving positive outcomes for our clients – including numerous not guilty verdicts and acquittals in the Crown Court, as well as many cases that never even reach court because we have successfully intervened during the investigation stage.  

 We were named Manchester Legal Awards Crime Team of the Year 2025 an honour we have now won eight times in recent years. Our Managing Director was also recognised as the Legal 500 “Crime Lawyer of the Year” in 2023. In addition, we are ranked as a top-tier criminal defence firm by both the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners Guides (2026 editions), and we were featured as one of The Times Best Law Firms 2026. This consistent recognition from the legal industry reflects our commitment to excellence and the trust that our clients and peers place in us. 

Personalised & Empathetic Service 

We know that every case, and every client, is unique. At Olliers, you won’t get a one-size-fits-all approach; instead, we tailor our strategy to the specific facts of your case and your individual needs. From the moment you contact us, you will find our team approachable, understanding, and non-judgemental. We believe in providing not just top-tier legal representation but also support and guidance to help ease your stress throughout the process. Our solicitors communicate in clear, straightforward language, making sure you understand each step of your case. We keep you updated at all times, so you’re never left in the dark about what’s happening or what to expect next.  

We also act with discretion and care for your privacy. By handling communications with investigators or prosecutors on your behalf, we can minimise the intrusion into your personal life. Our clients often tell us that our compassionate and respectful approach makes a very difficult situation a little easier to bear. 

When you instruct Olliers, you are not just getting a lawyer, you are getting an entire team dedicated to securing the best possible outcome for you. We pride ourselves on fighting tenaciously for our clients’ rights while maintaining the highest standards of client care. With offices in Manchester and London, we represent clients nationwide, and we are ready to deploy our expertise wherever it is needed. 

If you or a loved one are facing an allegation involving any kind of sexual offence, we strongly encourage you to contact our specialist team as soon as possible. Early advice and intervention can be critical in these cases. Reach out to us for a confidential, free initial consultation – our solicitors will listen to your situation and explain clearly how we can help. At Olliers Solicitors, our combination of legal expertise, proactive defence strategy, and empathetic client support can make all the difference when your future is on the line. 

If you are facing an allegation involving any kind of sexual offence please contact our new enquiry team on 020 883 6790 (London) or 0161 834 1515 (Manchester) , email info@olliers.com or complete the web enquiry form below.