Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) (Amendment) Bill 2018

Public bill · Government · Presented

The measure would bring the penalties for incest into line by setting the maximum prison term at 10 years for both men and women aged 17 and over, instead of having different maximums. It would also create a tougher sentencing rule for repeat serious sex offenders: if someone is convicted, serves at least five years, and is convicted again of a listed sexual offence within 10 years, the court would have to set a substantial minimum prison term, unless that would be unfair in the circumstances. These changes matter because they remove an outdated gender difference and aim to deter and punish repeat sexual offending more firmly.

Formal long title

Bill entitled an Act to amend the Punishment of Incest Act 1908 and the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017; and to provide for related matters.

Last updated 11 March 2019