What charge??

[leyburn]

Hi, i wonder if someone could settle an argument?

If a 15 yr old boy, through constant asking and pushing, persuades a 14 yr old girl to try sex. Would there have been a crime committed? Would it be assault? unlawful sex? or even rape? (as the girl would be under the age of consent) Thanks for any advice

[Ian J]

It is illegal for anyone under the age of 16 years old to have sex and whilst there is a possibility that both could be charged with having committed an illegal act is probably unlikely.

You might find this article on the BBC website to be useful

[SALGADO INVESTIGATIONS]

Originally Posted by leyburn

Hi, i wonder if someone could settle an argument?

If a 15 yr old boy, through constant asking and pushing, persuades a 14 yr old girl to try sex. Would there have been a crime committed? Would it be assault? unlawful sex? or even rape? (as the girl would be under the age of consent) Thanks for any advice

Although its illegal, as they are both of a similar age, the police are extremely unlikely to prosecute either as they are both consenting and it would not be in the public interest or indeed theirs to prosecute.

Generally speaking, if the older person was significantly older would they attempt a prosecution i.e over 21 years old.

[leyburn]

Thanks for the replies, both of you

[bwglaw]

it would be statutory rape where the girl is not old enough to give consent i.e under age.