Sexual Offender Register

If you are convicted of a sexual offence, your details will be entered on the Sexual Offender Register. This sex offender registration set up for anyone convicted after September 1997, and is maintained by the Police.

Sexual Offender Register

The court will send details to the police of anyone who has to register. Convicted sex offenders must register with the police within 3 days of being convicted or being released from prison, and renew their registration every year.

After the initial registration, an offender must inform the police if they do any of the following:

  • Change their name
  • Change their address
  • Intend to spend 7 days or more away from their home address
  • Plan to travel outside the UK

The length of time someone has to remain on the sex offenders register depends on the outcome of the case and the age of the offender when convicted:

Length of Sentence

Registration Period
For Adult

Registration Period
for Under 18

30 Months imprisonment or more

Indefinitely

Indefinitely

6 months to 30 months imprisonment

10 years

5 years

Less than 6 months imprisonment or Community Order

7 years

3½ Years

Police Caution

2 years

1 year

Failing to comply with the notification requirements is an either way offence. This means that it can be dealt with by either the Magistrates Court or the Crown Court. The maximum sentence is 5 years imprisonment at the Crown Court. In addition to this, there is a risk that an offender could be recalled to prison if the Home Office believes the offender is in breach of their licence conditions.

If you are accused of any sexual offence there is a very real danger of receiving a prison sentence, and your entire life being damaged by the allegation. It is vital that you are represented by someone that you can trust, and who you are confident will do everything in their professional ability to put forward your case in a proper and appropriate manner to ensure that you get the best outcome possible in your circumstances. Contact Us now for more information.