Assault of a Child Under 16 by Penetration

Legislation

Statute

Sexual Offences Act 2003

Section

Section 8B

Life Sentence Eligible

Yes

View on legislation.gov.uk

Classification

Part2 ProgressionExcluded sexual
Part 2 of Schedule 15: Specified sexual offences
ProgressionExcluded
Classified as a sexual offence

Release Information

How this offence affects release dates under the Sentencing Act 2026

Standard Release Provisions Apply

This offence does not trigger section 244ZA(7), so standard release rules apply:

  • SDS (post-commencement): One-third (⅓) release point
  • SDS (pre-commencement): Halfway (½) release point
  • Note: The applicable regime depends on sentence date

Additional Notes

Inserted into the Sexual Offences Act 2003 by section 81(2) of the Crime and Policing Act 2026. Excluded from the Sentencing Act progression model.

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Related Offences

Other offences from the same statute or with similar classification

Abduction of Unmarried Girl Under 18

Sexual Offences Act 1956 s.19

Abduction of Unmarried Girl Under 16

Sexual Offences Act 1956 s.20

Procuration of Girl Under 21

Sexual Offences Act 1956 s.23

Permitting Girl Under 13 to Use Premises for Intercourse

Sexual Offences Act 1956 s.25

Permitting Girl Under 16 to Use Premises for Intercourse

Sexual Offences Act 1956 s.26

Causing or Encouraging Prostitution of Girl Under 16

Sexual Offences Act 1956 s.28

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