Am in shock. but my question is - Do you think anyone who commits any sort of sex crime should be put on the sex offenders "register"

[speeechless]

First, I've name-changed so this isnt linked to my normal account

I have just found out that someone I see on a regular basis (I am purposely not explaining the relationship to remain as anonymous as possible) has just been convicted of indecent assault. Apparently they were hoping noone would find out

I have been a victim of rape, I don't know if I can see this person again. And apart from being shocked about the crime, I am appalled (maybe even discusted ) that they will escape being put on the sex offenders register, as their crime was not "serious" enough.

Am I just biased because of my experience? I think if someone can sexually assault someone else, they are more than capable of rape, just without the opportunity.

What do you think?

[waltzingmathilda]

Define sexual assault - that could be an arse slap which is not in my opinion a precursor to rape.

[speeechless]

Not a slap, I mean more gropey.

[speeechless]

And specifically in this case, after the person tells them to stop

[MurderOfGoths]

Definition of sexual assault

[MurderOfGoths]

To the OP, yeah, I think if it's serious enough for them to have been charged and found guilty, then yes they probably should be on the register.

[soooziesheep]

any predator should be.

like you I have a traumatic history and recently discovered someone I used to see alot has been jailed for quite violent sex crimes against young women. I can't get over it.

[lurkedtoolong]

I'm really sorry about your experience. i think the sex offenders' register needs to be totally overhauled. A couple who have sex in their own garden or a 16 year old who has sex with 15 year old partner can be placed on it. It needs to be kept for true offenders, those who are predatory and a threat.

In the case you describe - if it was a sustained "grope" even after being told to stop then yes definitely this person is a sex offender.

[speeechless]

That I agree with lurked

[DrDance]

I agree with lurkedtoolong there are too many grey areas with the register.

[speeechless]

I also think a custodial sentence should probably always be given for any predatory, threat type sex crime. Again, I could be biased, but I don't think someone who could do something like that would learn a lesson from litter-picking.

[JessePinkmansBitch]

Yes I agree with lurked the current system needs an overhaul and needs to be more specific.

[Jen1610]

I'm with lurkedtoolong I know a 16 year old who's mated dared him to streak down the street at 2am in the morning whilst having a house party. Just so happens the police drove into the street and caught him and he was charged and put on the sex offenders register which I think is shocking. That's a lot of potential careers for him ruined.

Regarding groping I think it depends on the situation, the people's relationship etc. iv walked past someone in a club who groped my bum, do I think they deserve to be on the register - no. Does that mean they could sexually assaul/rape someone - no. However, a guy in a club walked towards me and so quickly put his hands up my skirt and in the front of my knickers - do I think he should be on the register, yes. Do I think he could go further - I can't say.

Ironically, I was the one that got thrown out the club because I instantly threw my drink in his face and the bouncers weren't interested as to my reasons why.

[Ledkr]

Sex offenders frequently have a History of less serious offences leading up to a more serious offence.
Therefore yes I believe anyone who is charged with a sex offence should go onto the register.

[Ledkr]

A young male relative of mine was recently convicted of the most minor sex crime. The police sex offenders team actually requested that he not go onto the register so they can use their discretion.

[speeechless]

That's interesting ledkr - so it's likely the sex offenders team have looked at this and made a conscious decision that he shouldn't go on there?!
Oh, how I wish I could go into more detail about this person!!

[summerbreezer]

Really Ledkr? Anyone charged? Surely it should be convicted.

There are very clear rules as to who goes on and for how long under the Sexual Offences Act.

If he is an adult convicted of sexual assault, he will definitely go on the Register.

This link is quite helpful:

www.unlock.org.uk/xoffenders.aspx?sid=125

[speeechless]

Not according to link - any schedule 3 offence

"7An offence under section 14 of that Act (indecent assault on a woman) if?
(a)the victim or (as the case may be) other party was under 18, or

(b)the offender, in respect of the offence or finding, is or has been?

(i)sentenced to imprisonment for a term of at least 30 months; or

(ii)admitted to a hospital subject to a restriction order."

[summerbreezer]

Section 14 is the Sexual Offences Act 1956. That was replaced by the Sexual Offences Act 2003 and "indecent assault" changed to "sexual assault".

I presumed the OP was simply using "indecent assault" to mean "sexual assault", as she uses the term "sexual assault" later in her post.

Of course, if the offence was committed before 2004 then you would be right.

[summerbreezer]

Just realised you are the OP - sorry!

Yes, it depends when the offence was committed.

[speeechless]

Oops, this is all irrelevant, I have just found he entered a plea bargain so got "common assault" instead.

Now I think I am more angry.

[speeechless]

At him, that is, for doing it, refusing to admit it was wrong, then wheedling his way out of it

[summerbreezer]

I see, that makes more sense.

I am very sorry for your personal experience, but I do have to tentatively ask how much you know about the evidence against him.

I defend and prosecute sex offences. If I am prosecuting and think I can prove a sexual element, there is no way on God's earth that I would lessen the charge. I would certainly never do it without consulting the victim.

So it may be that there are factors at play that you are unaware about.

If it is of any comfort to you, I have only once had an adult sex case where the defendant wasn't put on the Register - and that was due to severe learning difficulties.

I am not even entirely convinced the Register works. So you have to tell the police where you live. Doesn't, in my view, stop you going out and committing a crime.

[lljkk]

No is answer to OP, though I should keep mouth shut since I don't own an asbestos suit.
I think there seems to be some discretion. The law was never meant to be a blunt black-n-white instrument.
I don't want to comment on person OP knows, maybe they got off too lightly or maybe there are subtleties. I can't tell.

[speeechless]

I would guess that the victims did decide not to fight his innocent plea then, (meaning they woouldnt have to give evidence?) what he did is definite, he admitted to it, he just claimed it was a series of mistakes.

Not sure I agree with the plea bargain idea exactly, but in reality I can see why it is done.

[speeechless]

Re the sex register, I just think this person (and other similar situations) would take it more seriously if what they did was classed as a sex crime and punished as such.