Much has been written about the 35 year sentence for Ian Watkins. The sentencing remarks are here and make for gruesome reading. For a detailed recitation of the sentencing law in this context we recommend Lyndon Harris at UK Criminal Law Blog. However, it is also interesting to look at the law in relation to … Continue reading
The law and procedure relating to sexual offences is notoriously complex. Since the advent of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, the law (both as to the offences and as to sentencing) changes depending on when the offence was committed, the age of the parties involved and the nature of the act committed. This up-to-date guide … Continue reading
The new Sentencing Council Guidelines on sexual offences have been published[1]. They will be in force from 1 April 2014. The existing guidelines do not apply in relation to offences under the 1956 Act. However, in the new document, the maximum penalties are set out in Annex C and the approach to sentencing historic sexual offences … Continue reading
In November 2013 Ian Watkins, lead singer of The Lost Prophets pleaded guilty to to attempting to rape the 11-month-old baby of a fan ‘Woman A’ and conspiring to rape the baby daughter of another fan ‘Woman B’. News reports indicate that prosecution footage showed him committing the act and a charge of rape was … Continue reading
