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Sexual Offences

The Sexual Offences Act 2003 updated the law, much of which dated back to 1956.

The main provisions of the Act include the following:

  • Rape is widened to include oral penetration
  • Significant changes to the issue of consent
  • Specific offences relating to children under 13, 16 and 18
  • Offences to protect vulnerable persons with a mental disorder
  • Other miscellaneous offences
  • Strengthening the notification requirements and providing new civil preventative orders

Find out more about how we prosecute sexual offences

Home » News Centre » Press Statements » CPS statement on decision to charge Michael Robert Turner

CPS statement on decision to charge Michael Robert Turner

15/02/2013

Alison Levitt, QC, Principal Legal Advisor to the Director of Public Prosecutions has reviewed a file of evidence in relation to allegations of sexual offences. This was a review of a decision previously made not to prosecute.

Ms Levitt said: "I have very carefully reviewed the evidence in this case and I have concluded that there is sufficient evidence and it is in the public interest to charge Michael Robert Turner with a number of sexual offences.

"I have authorised Greater Manchester Police to charge Mr Turner with nineteen offences, including rape of a child.

"Mr Turner has now been charged with criminal offences and has a right to a fair trial. It is vital that nothing is said, or reported, which could prejudice that trial.

"May I also remind everyone that all complainants of sexual offences have a right to life long anonymity, and any individual who publishes information which could lead to the identification of such a complainant, may be subject to prosecution.

"As proceedings are now active, it would be inappropriate to say anything further at this stage."

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