Proactive solicitors representing those facing Sexual Risk Orders
What is a Sexual Risk Order (SRO)?
Sexual Risk Orders (SROs) are civil court orders in the UK used to manage individuals considered a risk of sexual harm, even if they have not been convicted of any sexual offence.
SROs target those not convicted or cautioned for an offence but thought to pose a risk to the public, children or vulnerable adults, including cases where investigations resulted in no further action, but ongoing police concerns remain.
A Sexual Risk Order is designed to prevent harm rather than punish. It may be issued even if someone hasn’t been convicted of a crime. For an SRO to be imposed, the court must find it more likely than not, using the civil standard of proof, that the person has engaged in a sexual act and that the order is necessary to protect children, vulnerable individuals, or certain members of the public from sexual harm.
Sexual risk orders, often known as SRO’s, are civil orders made by a court. They can be imposed even when a person has not been convicted of any offence. Many people are shocked to discover that an SRO can still place strict conditions on their everyday life, including where they can go, who they can contact, and what they can do online. If you have been contacted by the police about a potential sexual risk order, it is completely understandable to feel anxious and confused. These applications can move quickly and the consequences can be extremely serious if you do not respond properly. An SRO is designed to manage what the police believe is a risk of sexual harm, but the threshold for applying one is lower than many people appreciate. It can be based on intelligence, online activity or behaviour that the police consider concerning even if no criminal charges have been brought. That’s why legal representation at the earliest stage is essential. At Olliers, we are increasingly finding that applications for sexual risk orders being made during the pre-charge stage of a sexual allegation whilst the police investigation is ongoing. At Olliers, we specialise in these complex and sensitive cases. Our first step is to obtain the full details of the application, including the evidence that the police are relying upon. We’ll then work with you to understand your circumstances and to challenge anything that is inaccurate, unfair, or not properly supported by evidence. We can negotiate with the police to reduce or remove conditions that are excessive and we can prepare a full defence if the matter goes before the court. Our goal is to protect your rights, minimise any restrictions, and make sure that your voice is heard.
Previously, courts used the stricter criminal standard of proof (“beyond a reasonable doubt”) but this was lowered after the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022, making it easier to grant an SRO. As a result, having strong legal representation has become even more crucial.
Under an SRO, the court can impose various restrictions, positive obligations or prohibitions, which could include monitoring how someone behaves in the community, limiting their internet access, or banning foreign travel for up to five years. Sometimes, the court might also require computer monitoring software or an electronic tag to ensure compliance.
They were introduced in 2014 contrary to section 122A of the Sexual Offences Act 2023 (and replaced the Risk of Sexual Harm Order).
Who applies for an SRO?
In most cases, the application will be made by the police but could also be applied for by the National Crime Agency, British Transport Police or the Ministry of Defence Police.
A Chief Officer of Police or the Director General of the NCA may apply for an SRO at a Magistrates’ Court.
Does an individual have to be convicted of a criminal offence to be made subject to an SRO?
An SRO can be imposed against a defendant who has been convicted or cautioned for a ‘relevant offence. A ‘relevant offence’ is an offence that falls within schedule 3 or schedule 5 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003.
However, an SRO may be sought by the police against an individual who has not been convicted or cautioned but where the person is nevertheless deemed to pose a risk of harm.
The ability to impose an order without conviction or caution is what makes it distinct from the Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO), which was introduced in the same year but requires the defendant to have been convicted of a relevant offence.
What if a person already is subject to bail conditions, is that enough to avoid a SRO?
Even where a person under police investigation and is subject to pre-charge bail conditions preventing contact with certain members of the public, the police may still seek an SRO where they believe there to be a risk to the public, as a breach of the SRO amounts to a criminal offence that could result in a custodial sentence of up to 5 years.
What needs to be proven for an SRO?
Interim order (ISRO)
An interim order (ISRO) will normally be made pending the full hearing when the SRO will be determined. To impose an interim order, the court does not need to be satisfied that an act of a sexual nature has been committed. The police only need to persuade the court that an ISRO is necessary. The court will then decide whether “it considers it just to do so.”
Full Order (SRO)
At the full hearing, the court will assess risk and determine whether the application is necessary by exercising their judgement or evaluation of all the facts and circumstances of the case (including the alleged behaviour, the individual’s previous convictions and compliance with previous orders).
The court will consider:
- Whether the individual has done an act of a sexual nature, and
- Whether there is reasonable cause to believe that it is necessary for a sexual risk order to protect the public or any particular members of the public, from harm from the defendant or children or vulnerable adults generally inside or outside the UK.
The court will apply the civil standard of proof namely on a balance of probabilities to determine whether the defendant had done an act of a sexual nature.
An “act of a sexual nature” is not defined in the statute, and it is for the court to apply a broad interpretation. The guidance provides some examples of the kind of behaviour that may be subject to an SRO (but this is not an exhaustive or prescriptive list) and include, as an example, engaging in sexual activity with a child, child exploitation or grooming.
What is the impact of an SRO?
A Sexual Risk Order (SRO) can significantly affect daily life by restricting privacy, family rights, travel, device use and access to certain locations. Courts may require treatment, device inspections or participation in specific programmes, while police routinely monitor compliance.
Each SRO is bespoke, but common to many orders are limits on residence, employment with vulnerable groups and use of storage on electronic devices. Our lawyers scrutinise all prohibitions, advocating for the removal or narrowing of any that exceed what is reasonable or needed to manage risk.
The terms of the order must avoid conflicting with an individual’s ability to attend work or educational commitments, religious beliefs or conflict with any other order of the court.
The order will also require that the individual reports to the police and notifies them of their name and address within three days of the order being made.
How long does an SRO last?
Interim order ISRO
An interim order may only be imposed for a fixed period specified in the order. The police may apply to extend the ISRO (pending the full hearing) and it will cease to have effect once a full order has been made.
Full order (SRO)
The minimum duration for a full order is two years. There is no maximum duration for an order, which means it could be made for an indefinite period. The only exception to this is where it contains foreign travel restrictions, which may only last for a maximum of four years.
Can I apply to vary or discharge an SRO?
Yes, an individual subject to an order, or the police could apply to the court to vary or discharge or renew an SRO by application of complaint to the court.
What happens if the order is breached?
Breach of either an interim or full order, without reasonable excuse is a criminal offence that may be tried before the Magistrates’ or Crown Court. The maximum sentence for breach is five years imprisonment.
A breach of the order will also make the individual subject to notification requirements, from the time of the breach, until the remainder of the order.
Breach of the order includes failing to report to the police station within three days of its imposition.
Are Sexual Risk Orders recorded on the Police National Computer (PNC)?
Yes, these are recorded on the PNC. The PNC can record entries for police information and intelligence purposes that do not count as a criminal record.
Is a SRO disclosed on DBS checks?
An SRO isn’t a caution or conviction and isn’t covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.
An SRO won’t appear on basic or standard DBS checks, but may be included in an Enhanced DBS Check if relevant to the job. The police decide if disclosure is necessary and proportionate, and you can make representations against it being disclosed.
How can Olliers help?
It is essential that anyone facing an application for a Sexual Risk Order obtains specialist legal advice. Olliers has a team of outstanding criminal lawyers who can provide tailored advice concerning interim and full Sexual Risk Orders ensuring that you are represented throughout the proceedings. This could include opposing the SRO application or applying to vary or appeal against the granting of an order.
We don’t wait for events to unfold – we take control. Olliers’ proactive approach ensures we are on the front foot from the outset. We preempt issues and build a robust defence strategy from day one. We take control and ensure our clients are in the best possible position.
Pre-Charge Engagement and Sexual Risk Orders
At Ollier, we are increasingly finding that applications for sexual risk orders are being made during the pre-charge stage of a sexual allegation whilst the police investigation continues.
Recent Successful Case: 2025 – Police v SH
SH received a Sexual Risk Order (SRO) Summons to appear before the Magistrates. Court, as the police were applying for an Interim Order and a Full Sexual Risk Order against him.
We had previously represented SH by way of Pre-Charge Engagement following his arrest for Possession of Indecent Images. This resulted in the police making a No Further Action decision.
SH continued to instruct Olliers to represent him in relation to the SRO and to oppose the application for the Interim and Full Sexual Risk Order. We gathered material to build his case, including witness statements, communication with the police and his employer. We drafted legal documents including Statement of Case, Hearsay Notice and Schedule of Costs.
This case was unusual because the Judge, on separate occasions (namely the First Hearing and a Case Management Hearing), allowed the police two opportunities to apply for the Interim Order. On each occasion, the police application was opposed and the Judge agreed with our representations and refused the police application.
The police were determined to continue, despite the Judge’s findings in relation to their Interim Applications, proceeded with their application for a Full Order.
At the Full Hearing, we opposed the police application: SH gave evidence and the police witness was cross-examined. The Judge refused the police application for a Full Order.
SH was extremely pleased having been through three successful applications. This was a great result for Olliers.
Need Advice on a Sexual Risk Order?
If you or someone you know is facing the possibility of a Sexual Risk Order, early legal advice is essential. Our expert team at Olliers has extensive experience in successfully representing individuals subject to SRO applications.
Contact us today for a confidential consultation.
Frequently asked questions
A Sexual Risk Order, often called an SRO, is a civil order made by a court. You do not need to have been charged with or convicted of a criminal offence for an SRO to be imposed. Despite this, the restrictions can be severe. An SRO can affect how you use the internet, who you communicate with, where you go and how you live your day‑to‑day life. If the police mention an SRO, it is important to get specialist legal advice straight away. Early advice can make a real difference.
Ignoring an SRO is not an option. Breaching a Sexual Risk Order is a criminal offence. If you break the conditions, you could be arrested, prosecuted and end up with a criminal record.
If you are finding the conditions difficult to comply with, or believe they are unreasonable, you should seek legal advice immediately. It may be possible to apply to change or challenge the order.
Yes. A Sexual Risk Order can be challenged. The police must meet a legal threshold before an SRO can be imposed. This includes showing that the order is necessary and that the conditions are proportionate.
With expert representation, the evidence can be examined carefully and conditions that go too far can be challenged. You do not have to accept every restriction placed in front of you.
Conditions vary from case to case, but commonly include:
- Restrictions on using mobile phones, computers, or the internet
- Limits on who you can contact, including online communication
- Travel restrictions or requirements to notify the police of certain activities
These conditions can be life‑changing. That is why specialist legal representation is essential when an SRO is proposed.
Although they sound similar, there is an important difference. A Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) is imposed after a criminal conviction. A Sexual Risk Order (SRO) can be imposed even where there has never been a charge. Both orders can include strict conditions and both require experienced legal advice.
If you receive notice of an SRO application:
- Do not ignore it. These cases can move quickly.
- Do not agree to any conditions without legal advice.
- Contact a specialist solicitor immediately.
Early involvement allows your solicitor to challenge the evidence, argue against unfair conditions, and protect your position from the start.
Facing the possibility of a Sexual Risk Order can be stressful and overwhelming. At Olliers, we provide early, discreet and specialist advice. We obtain and challenge the police evidence, negotiate to reduce overly restrictive conditions, and represent you in court where necessary. Our aim is simple: to protect your rights, minimise restrictions, and guide you through every stage of the process.
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