Sexual Offences committed
outside of the UK

THE LEGISLATION

The Sexual Offences Act 2003

Paragraph 72 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 (‘the Act’) provides for the prosecution of UK nationals and residents who have committed certain sexual offences abroad, by stating:

  1. If a UK national does an act in a country outside the UK and the act, if done in England and Wales, would constitute a sexual offence to which this section applies, the UK national is guilty in England and Wales of that sexual offence;
  2. If a UK resident does an act in a country outside the UK, the act constitutes an offence under the law in force in that country and the act, if done in England and Wales, would constitute a sexual offence to which this section applies, the UK resident is guilty in England and Wales of that sexual offence.
  3. If a person does an act in a country outside the UK at a time when the person was not a UK national or resident, the act constituted an offence under the law in force in that country, the act if done in England and Wales would have constituted a sexual offence to which this section applies and the person meets the residence or nationality condition at the relevant time, proceedings may be brought against the person in England and Wales for that sexual offence as if the person had done the act there.
  4. The person meets the residence or nationality condition at the relevant time if the person is a UK national or a UK resident at the time when the proceedings are brought.

Got a question?

Can't find what you need? Get in touch with our experience team, who are happy to answer any questions you have. Call us on 0333 370 4333.

Offences To Which The Act Applies

  • Schedule 2 lists the sexual offences to which section 72 applies. Until recently it predominantly identified offences against children under the age of 18 and offences involving indecent photographs of children.
  • The law was extended to cover adult complainants on 29 June 2021 as the definition of ‘victim’ for the purposes of section 72 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 was extended to include individuals who were aged 18 or over at the time of the allegation.
  • The general rule is that allegations should be tried in the jurisdiction in which they occurred and it is still rare for such matters to be prosecuted in the England & Wales. But the law does allow for such prosecutions in England & Wales and KANGS has defended clients in such proceedings.
  • There is no requirement for the crime to be an offence in both countries.

How Can We Help?

The team at KANGS has significant expertise in defending allegations with an international dimension. We are well versed in collating evidence from abroad, engaging relevant experts in foreign jurisdictions and ensuring all evidence gathered overseas is admissible in court proceedings in England & Wales.

By way of one example, KANGS were instructed in the conduct of the first ever trial in the UK involving alleged offences of the nature referred to above committed in Kenya.

Members of the Kangs Sexual Criminal Offences Defence Team travelled on two separate occasions to Kenya to conduct relevant defence enquiries and to arrange for defence witnesses based in Kenya to give live evidence to the Crown Court in England.

Who Can I Contact For Advice & Help?

It is imperative that you instruct an experienced solicitor as soon as you become aware of an allegation being made. Crucially, it is essential to have a solicitor present in interview at the police station, whether it is an interview by appointment or under arrest, in order to ensure that the appropriate experience and advice is at hand.

To discuss an allegation of a sexual offence of any nature please contact us.

Testimonials

This is a first class firm with unrivalled experience, a great track record, an acute attention to detail and a tenacity that clients really rate are all features of this firm.
THE LEGAL 500
Kangs Solicitors is rated for the ‘proactive, expert defence’ it provides to executives and high-net-worth individuals.
THE LEGAL 500
One of, if not the best, criminal specialist firms in the country.
THE LEGAL 500
It is a first rate firm that is dedicated to its clients and is tenacious in challenging the prosecution.
CHAMBERS UK
It has very bright individuals at all levels who know the system inside out.
THE LEGAL 500
Kangs Solicitors is a standout firm whose lawyers are hardworking, highly knowledgeable and great with clients.
THE LEGAL 500
They are really great lawyers. Their client care is premium.
CHAMBERS UK
Kangs is a very proactive firm. They are always very quick off the mark in cases, which provides clients with great reassurance. They are always available to meet with clients at short notice, which is invaluable as often the advice sought is urgent.
CHAMBERS UK
Words cannot express the way I feel knowing that the Jury believed my innocence of the allegations made against me…I am very grateful to my Lawyer and Barrister for the level of support throughout my case. I can now live without the stigma of being a sexual offender.
CLIENT
This has been a very harrowing experience for me and my family. There have been some very dark moments over the last 12 months or so but I have had to stay strong in order to fight these false allegations. I have been helped enormously by my solicitors who have dealt with my matter with patience and great diligence. The support I received during the trial was fantastic and I would like to extend a special thank you to them.
CLIENT
I contacted Kangs Solicitors having been arrested for an allegation of rape. I was in complete shock at what had happened as I had been falsely accused and I needed immediate experienced legal support. Upon meeting the senior partner of Kangs Solicitors, Hamraj Kang, I felt that they immediately understood my situation due to their considerable experience dealing with such cases. I was very comfortable with the way they sympathetically explained how they could assist me and what I would need to do with their help to prepare my case. My case was prepared to an exceptionally high standard. Kangs selected the perfect barrister for my situation in order to fight my case. I am just so thankful that I instructed Kangs Solicitors as they really have made a huge difference to my life. Thank you.
CLIENT
Criminal Litigation, Sexual Offences
The Team at KANGS successfully defended a client charged with three counts of sexual assault under section 3 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 (‘the Act’). Following a six-day trial at Birmingham Crown Court, the Jury unanimously acquitted our client of all counts after only two and a half hours deliberation. John Veale of KANGS […]
10/04/24
Criminal Litigation, Sexual Offences
The taking and sharing intimate photos or film without consent can inflict serious distress and anxiety upon victims. Mobile phones and other electronic devices have amplified the risk of abuse through the non-consensual sharing of such content, increasing the potential harm experienced by individuals. The Online Safety Act 2023 (‘the Act’) contains a wide range […]
18/03/24
Criminal Litigation, Sexual Offences
Support systems known as 'special measures' have been implemented to aid vulnerable and intimidated witnesses, recognising the stress, fear, and intimidation they often endure throughout the investigation phase of a crime and while appearing in court to give evidence. As a result, the quantity and accuracy of their communication and evidence is adversely impacted. The […]
14/03/24

Get in touch

Need legal assistance? Contact our experienced team for prompt and professional support.
Your privacy is important to us and all details you share will be kept confidential.