Notification Requirements

The notification requirements of Part 2 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 refer to relevant offenders who receive a conviction or caution for certain sexual offences. The requirements also apply to those found not guilty by reason of insanity or to have been under a disability but to have done the acts charged in respect of those offences. The notification requirements are not a punishment for a sexual offence and are not part of the system of penalties. However, a failure to comply with the requirements is a criminal offence, punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to 5 years. Please see www.opsi.gov.uk/ACTS/acts2003/20030042.htm for the full text of the Sexual Offences Act 2003.