PART 3SEXUAL OFFENCES AGAINST CHILDREN

Assault

Assault of a child under 13 by penetration13

1

A person commits an offence if—

a

he intentionally penetrates the vagina or anus of another person with a part of his body or anything else,

b

the penetration is sexual, and

c

the other person is under 13.

2

A person guilty of an offence under this Article is liable, on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for life.

Sexual assault of a child under 1314

1

A person commits an offence if—

a

he intentionally touches another person,

b

the touching is sexual, and

c

the other person is under 13.

2

A person guilty of an offence under this Article is liable—

a

on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum or both;

b

on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 14 years.

Causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity15

1

A person commits an offence if—

a

he intentionally causes or incites another person (B) to engage in an activity,

b

the activity is sexual, and

c

B is under 13.

2

A person guilty of an offence under this Article, if the activity caused or incited involved—

a

penetration of B's anus or vagina,

b

penetration of B's mouth with a person's penis,

c

penetration of a person's anus or vagina with a part of B's body or by B with anything else, or

d

penetration of a person's mouth with B's penis,

is liable, on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for life.

3

Unless paragraph (2) applies, a person guilty of an offence under this Article is liable—

a

on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum or both;

b

on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 14 years.