ABSTRACT
The Sexual Offences Act 2003 came into force on 1 May 2004 and replaces the Sexual Offences Act 1956. The Sentencing Advisory Panel (SAP) recommend that the presiding principles of the Criminal Justice Act (CJA) 2003 should be the key determinant in sentencing sex offenders: the ‘culpability’ of the offender and the ‘harm’ caused to the victim. Harm and potential risk to society should also be considered. The nature of the harm caused to victims is listed under several headings:
1 Violation of the victim’s sexual autonomy – this really addresses victim impact and cases are considered more
This chapter seeks to:
• Examine the legislative framework of sentencing for child sexual abusers in England and Wales, focusing upon advice produced by the Sentencing Advisory Panel and the Crown Prosecution Service.
