Sex Dolls - Childlike
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 It may omit detail or fall out of date.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 guidance assists prosecutors in handling cases regarding offences related to dolls with child-like characteristics used for sexual purposes. It outlines potential offences such as importing, publishing, and sending these dolls, along with evidential considerations prosecutors must keep in mind. The document emphasizes the importance of distinguishing the obscenity of the dolls based on specific legal definitions and the necessity of demonstrated knowledge of the prohibition at the time of importation or distribution.
Key points
- Guidance for prosecutors on cases involving childlike sex dolls.
- Possession of such dolls is not an offence; focus is on importation and distribution.
- Three specific offences concerning childlike sex dolls are highlighted.
- Prosecutors must consider the characteristics of the dolls and the intent behind their acquisition.
- Evidential support is critical to prove obscenity and knowledge of prohibitions.
- Public interest factors include links to child sexual offending.
Public-interest factors
- Potential link to sexual offenses against children
- Seriousness of offending
- Evidence of further sexual interest in children
- Absence of other offending indicating sexual interest
- Age of the doll may affect prosecution decisions
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.