Mandatory aggravating factor for CSE offences
The government should amend the Sentencing Act 2020 to provide a mandatory aggravating factor in sentencing in the case of the commission of an offence under Part 1 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 relating to a child, where (1) the child was exploited, (2) 'exploitation' means the child was controlled, coerced, manipulated or deceived into sexual activity and (3) two or more persons were concerned in the exploitation.
Response
Accepted in Part
Response
Accepted in PartIn January 2025, the Home Secretary committed to legislate to make grooming an aggravating factor in the sentencing of child sexual offences. This commitment is being implemented through the Crime and Policing Bill 2025, currently at Committee Stage in the House of Lords.
Progress Timeline
April 2025 government progress update: the Crime and Policing Bill (introduced February 2025) includes a provision to make grooming a mandatory aggravating factor in sentencing of child sexual offences.