Revised sentencing guidelines for burglary offences and child sexual offences come into effect on 1 July 2022

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Child sexual offences

On 1 July 2022, a new sentencing guideline for the offence of sexual communication with a child (s15A of the Sexual Offences Act) comes into force. This offence was introduced by the Serious Crime Act 2015. Offenders face a maximum penalty of two years in prison, with culpability and harm determined by whether the offender shared images or other digital media, any psychological harm caused, abuse of trust or the use of threats or bribes.

Burglary offences

Revised sentencing guidelines for domestic, non-domestic and aggravated burglary offences in England and Wales, come into effect on 1 July 2022. The revised guidelines introduce new middle categories for both culpability and harm factors to allow judges and magistrates greater flexibility in deciding on an appropriate sentence. The Council has also updated the format of the guidelines to reflect the stepped approach used in recent sentencing guidelines.

The sentencing guidelines apply to:

 The sentencing guidelines can be found on the Sentencing Council website (external link)