U.K. Nationals Who Commit Sex Offenses Against Children Abroad Will Face Prosecution Even If That Offense is Not Illegal in the Foreign Country

People who commit sex offenses against children abroad will face prosecution in the UK, even if that offence is not illegal in the foreign country it was committed, Home Office Minister Vernon Coaker has announced. The new legislation, contained in the Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008, will come into effect from Monday 14 July.

It means that UK nationals who commit a specified sexual offense against a child overseas which may not be an offense in that country but is an offense here can expect to be prosecuted for the offense on their return to the UK. For example, in some countries possession of indecent images of children is not an offense or the age of consent is lower than 16 years.

Home Office Minister Vernon Coaker said:

“We already have some of the toughest sex offenses legislation in the world but we are determined to do everything we can to protect the most vulnerable, at home and abroad.

“From 14 July, anyone who commits an offense against children abroad will face the prospect of prosecution for the same offense here even though it may not have been offense in that country.

“As a result I hope this new law will send a tough message to deter traveling sex tourists.”

The UK has some of the most stringent child protection laws in the world and has strong networks with international police and child protection agencies to share information of concern, particularly around known child sex offenders.

Jim Gamble, Chief Executive of the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre, said:

“The sexual abuse of children is the worst crime imaginable. No offender should be able to escape to foreign jurisdictions in order to abuse children and young people, or possess images and materials that show sexual exploitation without living in fear of UK police working with their international counterparts to bring that person to account.

“This measure is a significant step forward and sends out a very clear and unequivocal message to offenders everywhere - and no matter whether they are in the UK or abroad - we will track you, we will bring you to account and you will face the consequences of your criminal actions. Every child no matter where they live deserves that protection.”

Source: Home Office

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