Crime may be down 14% according to recent figures released by the Ministry of Justice but sexual offences have bucked the trend and have increased quite significantly. While media attention has mostly focused on a handful of celebrity defendants, the story last week concerned the 660 suspects arrested over the past 6 months for sexual offences committed online.

Called Operation Notarise, only a handful was previously known to the police for any sort of offending. Many are respected professionals and include teachers, doctors and former police officers. Some 833 buildings were searched and over 9,000 devices seized for forensic examination. The National Crime Agency has spearheaded this operation but has revealed very little information as to its methodology. However, indecent images remain widely accessible on the internet and via file sharing software and, contrary to popular belief, most of those arrested did not have to search out images on the so called ‘dark net’.

As with all other categories of offender, there is no right to anonymity. The stigma attached to sex offences, especially those concerning children, places considerable extra stress on those arrested and prosecuted. Even those who manage to clear their names may not escape. Media reports indicate that the Police intend to inform the press when accused persons are due to appear in court in respect of offences arising out of Operation Notarise.

The previous DPP was severely criticized by Stephen Fry among others for publishing the names of suspects prior to charge. There was a stage when the Liberal Democrats were going to support anonymity in sexual offences cases but that plan was dropped, presumably as it was not a policy likely to garner many votes.

Contact Our Specialist Lawyers

Lewis Nedas Law has extensive experience of handling sexual offences, including cases involving complex computer evidence. Indeed, Tony Meisels is already representing some of the individuals ensnared by Operation Notarise. We work closely where applicable with leading forensic scientists, so prosecution evidence can be challenged and checked.

We provide a sensitive and non-judgmental approach and recognise the difficulties which often occur in allegations of a sexual nature. Legal aid is available subject to eligibility. If you require any assistance please contact Tony or Keith Wood.