Sexual Assault

A person is guilty of sexual assault when they touch another person without that person’s permission and the touching is sexual in nature. This will usually mean that the victim is touched in a private place such as the genitals, breasts, etc. but it could include unwanted kissing and anything else that appears sexual.

The maximum sentence is ten-years imprisonment although because there is a huge gulf between the least serious and most serious sexual assaults cases can be heard in either the magistrates court or Crown Court.

Police have been under pressure to prosecute all sexual offences over the past decade this has led to more men being prosecuted while the quality of investigations has fallen causing key evidence that can clear a defendant’s name being missed in the initial investigation. It is therefore vital that anybody accused of sexual assault is represented by a solicitor who understands the evidential process and knows what information to obtain to ensure a just result.