Recent years have seen an extraordinary rise in the number of sexual offences allegations being investigated and prosecuted.

Our specialist lawyers are top-ranked in Chambers and Legal 500 directories.

We have a wealth of experience in defending individuals (including those who are young and vulnerable) under investigation for offences of a sexual nature, from possession of indecent images or extreme pornography, involvement in the distribution of revenge pornography, to rape and sexual abuse.

We understand that criminal prosecution, providing no right to anonymity for defendants, can destroy careers, reputations and family relationships. We seek to mitigate these consequences wherever possible, often working in a coordinated team with media lawyers and consultants.

We are experienced in representing suspects at the police station and we are adept at pre-charge and post-charge engagement; submitting written representations to police and the Crown Prosecution Service to discontinue proceedings or deal with it by way of an out of court disposal.

Defending these types of allegations requires forensic analysis and objectivity, combined with sensitivity to the ramifications of a criminal prosecution. We give clients step-by-step guidance through this difficult process, ensuring that the prosecution’s case is critically examined and tested and that all defence avenues are thoroughly explored, offering a discrete approach to representation.

We also represent victims of crime in cases where they feel that the criminal justice system has failed them.

What happens if I have been accused of a sexual offence?

If you’re under investigation or have been contacted by police, it is critical that you don’t engage in any discussions with anyone, even police officers, before instructing a specialist criminal defence solicitor with expertise in sexual offences.

Our team discreetly advises individuals facing serious allegations with a particular focus on protecting reputation and career.  We regularly represent high profile and high net worth clients facing allegations such as:

• Rape (contrary to Section 1 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003)
• Assault by penetration (contrary to Section 2 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003)
• Sexual assault (contrary to Section 3 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003)
• Voyeurism (contrary to Section 67 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003)
• Exposure (contrary to Section 66 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003)
• Possession of indecent photograph of children (contrary to Section 160 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988)
• Distribution of indecent images (contrary to sections 1 and 1A of the Protection of Children Act 1978 as amended)
• Sexual communication with a child (contrary to section 15A of the Sexual Offences Act 2003)
• Historic (non-recent) sexual abuse – offences are prosecuted under the relevant contemporary law at the time of the offence e.g. Sexual Offences Act 1956 then replaced by the Sexual Offences Act 2003)
• Child sexual abuse material (CSAM) offences (contrary to section 1 of the Protection of Children Act 1978; section 62 of the Coroners and Justice Act 2009; section 69 of the Serious Crime Act 2015)
• Sexual activity with a child (someone under 16) (contrary to sections 9-13 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003)
• Meeting a child following sexual grooming (contrary to section 15 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003)
• Prostitution-related offences (primarily under the Sexual Offences Act 2003 and also the Street Offences Act 1959 and Policing and Crime Act 2009)
• Possession of extreme pornography (contrary to section 63 of the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008)

Can the police investigate historic sexual allegations from decades ago?

Yes. The UK police regularly investigate historic sexual allegations.  These cases often turn entirely on the complainant’s account, with no forensic or physical evidence.   We are highly experienced in dismantling false or exaggerated claims through careful analysis of inconsistency, gaps in memory, motive and expert evidence.

What happens if I’m arrested for rape or sexual assault?

If you are arrested for rape or sexual assault the police will likely seize your electronic devices including mobile phone and computers for forensic analysis, request a forensic medical examination, and then interview you under caution. You should never attend a police interview without expert legal representation. Early legal strategy is key.   We operate a 24 hour telephone line so we can act quickly to represent you at the outset.

I’ve been falsely accused of sexual offences.  What should I do?

False allegations are common, especially in the context of relationship breakdowns, custody disputes / child care arrangements, revenge and rejection, celebrity high profile status and “targeting”.

We provide proactive and strategic advice often in conjunction with digital and expert evidence.

Will my name hit the press if I am accused of a sexual offence?

In most cases, suspects are entitled to anonymity before charge.  In accordance with The College of Policing Guidance on Relationships with the Media, police should not name suspects unless there is an overriding public interest (for example, threat to life, ongoing risk or investigative necessity).

The Supreme Court’s decision in Bloomberg LP v ZXC reaffirmed that individuals under criminal investigation, but not yet charged, generally have a reasonable expectation of privacy in respect of information relating to that investigation.

We act quickly to ensure confidentiality where possible and seek reporting restrictions where appropriate. We work with reputation management and crisis PR specialists.

Can I be prosecuted for sending explicit messages to someone purporting to be a child online but is not actually a child?

Yes. Under Section 15A of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, you can be prosecuted even if the person was not actually a child, as long as you believed that they were under 16 and communicated for sexual purposes.   This is particularly relevant in sting operations or undercover operations where the “child” is actually an adult (e.g. a police officer or vigilante group member) posing as a child online.

The law focusses on your intent and belief – not the true identity of the person.  These cases require careful handling often involving expert digital evidence.

Can I avoid being charged if I cooperate with the police?

Co-operation does not guarantee that you won’t be charged but strategic legal intervention before charge can significantly improve the outcome.  You should obtain expert legal advice as soon as contact is made by police. We specialise in pre-charge representation including attending interviews, submitting written submissions to the police and/or Crown Prosecution Service.

Early legal advice can help avoid prosecution altogether, sparing you stress, cost and reputational damage.

I’m a public figure. Can you keep this completely private?

Yes. We are regularly instructed by high profile figures including politicians and public officials, business professionals, sports people and entertainers.   We understand the importance of absolute discretion and work alongside crisis PR teams, reputation management experts, and media lawyers.

Our firm is trusted by clients who need urgent, practical advice in the most sensitive situations.

What if I’ve been contacted by Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command or the National Crime Agency over internet offences?

The Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command (CEOP) is a specialist unit within the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA). They investigate serious online offences involving grooming, sexual communication with children, possession/distribution of child sexual abuse material and undercover operations targeting online offenders.

If you are approached by the CEOP or NCA do not ignore the contact. Seek legal advice from our specialist lawyers immediately. These cases often hinge on technical forensic evidence. We work with the UK’s leading digital forensic experts as part of your defence case.

Why do I need a solicitor if the allegations are false?

False allegations are as damaging as genuine ones.  Early specialised legal intervention ensures that your version of events is properly presented, that your rights are safeguarded, and that the case (where possible) is resolved pre charge.

Can I clear my name after being acquitted of a sexual offence?

We understand the importance of protecting our client’s reputation.  We work with media lawyers and specialist PR advisors to correct any reputational harm.

Can I avoid arrest if I’m being accused of a sexual offence?

Yes, it is possible, depending on the stage of the investigation. In many cases of this nature, we are instructed before arrest and can secure a voluntary interview instead.

The police have taken my phone or computer. When will I get it back?

There’s no fixed timeline. Electronic devices are often seized by police for digital forensic examination and can be held for weeks or months or years.  It depends on the evidential value of the devices as well as the length of the case. However, we can challenge unnecessary retention and request the prompt return of property not relevant to the case. Our role is to ensure that your privacy and rights are respected throughout the investigation.

Should I give my side of the story in a police interview?

The facts in every case are unique. Whether to answer questions or to exert your right to silence in an interview is a tactical decision that must be predicated on specialist criminal defence legal advice. Giving an unprepared or partial account may harm your defence. We assess the evidence and your instructions and then advise you on the best strategy – whether that means answering all questions, submitting a prepared statement or answering no comment.

Our lawyers have recently advised on the following matters:

• Securing acquittal of a priest accused of sexual offences against a member of his congregation.
• Acting for several individuals investigated as a result of the “#MeToo” and “Everyone’s Invited”.
• Acting for several high profile individuals in the entertainment industry facing allegations of historic sexual abuse. In these instances, our clients have avoided publicity and none have been charged.
• An individual with autism accused of rape and assault during a consensual BDSM relationship.
• Advising the director of a large UK corporate in relation to an investigation into alleged rape and sexual assault (no charges brought).
• Advising a Government Minister in relation to allegations of historic sexual abuse made in the tabloid newspapers.
• Preparing a defence at trial for an individual charged with multiple counts of familial sexual assault and possession of indecent images of children. The client was acquitted on all counts.
• Securing non-custodial sentences for those convicted of offences of possessing/distributing indecent images, including one individual targeted by a vigilante group operation.
• Persuading the CPS of the lack of public interest in prosecuting an elderly man for alleged historic sexual abuse dating back over 40 years.
• Advising a corporation on how to address its discovery that its employees had been accessing indecent images on their work computers.