News story
The Solicitor General reminds journalists and others about the legal requirement not to publish material which is likely to identify victims of sexual offending.
The Solicitor General confirms the requirement not to publish material which is likely to identify victims of sexual offending.
On 23 February 2022 the Court of Appeal increased the sentence in the case of an offender who pleaded guilty to serious sexual offences against children.
The Solicitor General Alex Chalk QC MP wishes to amplify the importance of the requirement not to publish any material that is likely to lead members of the public to identify that a person is a victim of certain sexual offences.
This includes publishing information online. Publishing this information is a criminal offence and could amount to contempt of court.
Editors, publishers and social media users should take legal advice to ensure they are in a position to fully comply with the obligations to which they are subject under the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 1992 and the Contempt of Court Act 1981.
The Attorney General’s Office is monitoring the coverage of the Court of Appeal hearing and outcome.
Published 4 April 2022
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