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Arranging or facilitating the commission of a child sex offence

Sexual Offences Act 2003, s.14 · Crown Court / Magistrates

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Sentencing framework

The guideline structures sentencing based on the seriousness of the offence being facilitated or arranged, considering both the intended harm and actual outcomes. Sentences may vary significantly based on the type of sexual offence involved and whether any actual harm occurred. Adjustments may be made for aggravating and mitigating factors.

Maximum sentence

Life imprisonment (if specific sections apply) / 14 years’ custody / 10 years’ custody (depending on the offence)

Court

Crown Court / Magistrates

Offence range

Discharge - Life imprisonment (depending on the offence)

Aggravating factors

  • ·Significant commercial exploitation
  • ·International element
  • ·Serious sexual activity intended but not carried out

Mitigating factors

  • ·Early desistance from planned activity
  • ·Limited role due to coercion or exploitation

The sentencing process, step by step

  1. Step 1 — Determining the type of activity arranged or facilitated
  2. Step 2 — Identifying the level of harm based on the type of activity
  3. Step 3 — Applying a downward adjustment based on actual harm resulting, if applicable
  4. Step 4 — Adjusting the sentence for aggravating and mitigating features
  5. Step 5 — Finalizing the sentence within the determined category range

Guideline notes

  • Sentencers should refer to the applicable substantive offence guidelines and consider adjustments based on the actual harm resulting from the offence.

Always read the full guideline

This is a one-page summary. For any live case, sentencing exercise, or legal advice the authoritative source is the Sentencing Council's own definitive guideline — including the category bands, step-by-step sentencing approach, and all statutory factors not captured here.

Open the full guideline on sentencingcouncil.org.uk

Source: Sentencing Council · Crown copyright, licensed under Open Government Licence v3.0. Summary fetched 2026-06-28. Not legal advice — see a regulated adviser for any live case.