Section 7: Sexual assault of a child under 13

Sexual Offences Act 2003 (2003 c. 42)

(1) A person commits an offence if—

(a) he intentionally touches another person,

(b) the touching is sexual, and

(2) A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable—

(a) on summary conviction, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 6 months or a fine not exceeding the statutory maximum or both;

(b) on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 14 years.

Reproduced from legislation.gov.uk as captured on 2026-08-27. Statute is amended over time — check the source below for the version in force. This is a reference, not legal advice.

View s.7 on legislation.gov.uk

Where this section is applied on BlueLineHub

Officer reference cards that cite this provision.

Offence cards

Sexual assault of a child under 13

s.6 Assault of a child under 13 by penetration s.8 Causing or inciting a child under 13 to engage in sexual activity

Source: legislation.gov.uk, Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0.