A historic sexual offence is any sex crime that took place at a previous time. Whilst it could have occurred decades ago, it may also have happened in the more recent past.
In England and Wales, there is no time limit on when a sexual offence may be prosecuted. The police and Crown Prosecution Service will investigate a complaint of historic sexual abuse as thoroughly as a current case, even if it took place decades ago. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) may prosecute an alleged perpetrator if there is sufficient evidence to support a conviction and they believe it is in the public interest to do so.
When investigating a historical sexual offence, the police and CPS will look for evidence to corroborate a complainant’s account. They may search institutional records, such as from schools or hospitals. However, material evidence is typically rare in historical cases, so investigations will generally focus on communicating with potential witnesses and uncovering any other possible victims.
Your home may be searched for evidence if you are under investigation, including electronic devices that need to be removed for analysis. You will either be arrested or asked to come to the police station for an interview. You are entitled to have a solicitor present whilst being questioned to ensure your rights are properly protected.
Since offences are prosecuted in line with the legislation in force when they were committed, the potential sentences for a particular crime can vary. For instance, an act of indecency with a child could carry a maximum sentence of two or ten years imprisonment, depending on whether it was committed before or after 1 October 1997. Where the maximum sentence has been reduced since the time of the offence, the lower sentence will apply.
Convicted offenders will also receive ancillary orders, like being added to the sex offenders’ register.
Crimes may not be prosecuted when they are committed because the victim or victims felt unable to come forward or believed, rightly or wrongly, that their claims would not have been taken seriously.
In some cases, the victim may have provided testimony and evidence to the police, but the decision was taken not to prosecute. For instance, in two of the most high-profile cases of historic sexual offences, the Rochdale child sex abuse ring and Jimmy Savile’s crimes, police and the CPS were aware of complaints at the time, but the decision was taken not to prosecute due to concerns about securing convictions.
The decisions in these cases have been heavily criticised and reversed, heralding an unyielding scrutiny of the past and intense public attention to historic sexual offences. This new atmosphere has encouraged complainants to come forward and share their stories and, to counter the mistakes of the past, action is now more likely to be taken based on complainants’ testimony. The CPS is under renewed pressure to secure convictions, and defence lawyers must be aware of the possible impact of the current legal, media and public attitude towards historic sexual offences on defendants’ cases.
Historical cases of sexual abuse are complex and extremely challenging for the criminal justice system. Material evidence is typically sparse, and so reliance is placed on the memories of the complainant and the accused, even where a significant amount of time has passed. Establishing the truth can therefore be difficult, making the potential for injustice high.
An allegation of a historic sexual crime can be deeply distressing for the accused and their family. It can cast doubt on their character and pose a threat to the lives they have built for themselves, potentially undermining their relationships and jeopardising their career.
Given the considerable danger of a miscarriage of justice and the devastating consequences to the accused if this happens, it is vitally important that the defence understands how to approach these delicate, multifaceted and emotive cases. They must provide a robust defence and protect the accused’s right to a fair trial to ensure their client’s reputation is wholly preserved.
As a criminal barrister experienced in cases of historic sexual abuse, I can provide you with a staunch defence that shields you, your reputation and the people you care about from the fallout of an allegation. Not only do I understand the intricacies and nuances of these cases, but I also appreciate their sensitive and emotional nature. My expertise, approachability and discretion mean I am well positioned to support and guide you through every stage in your case, including representing you in court. Act now to protect your future – speak to me today for straightforward, free initial advice.
Copyright © 2025 KC Crime Lawyer. All Rights Reserved.
