Indecent and Prohibited Images of Children
Plain-English digest of CPS prosecution guidance.
AI-generated summary — not verbatim. This is a plain-English digest, not the official CPS text. It may omit detail or fall out of date. Do not rely on it for a charging decision — read the full guidance on cps.gov.uk and check the current legislation.
This prosecution guidance provides legal and practical advice to prosecutors handling cases related to indecent and prohibited images of children. It outlines evidential considerations, available offences, selection of charges, and potential defences. The guidance emphasizes the legal definitions involved, such as indecency and possession, and discusses the appropriate use of a streamlined approach for low-risk offenders.
Key points
- Guidance focuses on legal definitions relevant to indecent images.
- Prosecutors must assess the evidential basis for charges.
- The streamlined approach for low-risk offenders may expedite case handling.
- Defences to charges include lack of awareness and legitimate reason.
- Possession and making of images are defined based on various legal precedents.
- Public interest factors guide charging decisions, especially in cases involving children.
Public-interest factors
- Seriousness of the allegation
- Impact on victims
- Public safety considerations
- Effectiveness of justice system
- Prevention of future offences
- Encouragement of reporting
This is a factual digest of guidance published by the Crown Prosecution Service. Digested 2026-07-15. BlueLineHub is independent and not affiliated with the CPS.