What the law states
Section 66EB of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) outlines the offence of grooming a child under 16 for unlawful sexual activity.
Grooming a child is described by the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) as engaging in conduct that exposes a child to indecent material or provides a child with intoxicating substance and does so with the intention of making it easier to procure the child for unlawful sexual activity with that or any other person.
It is not necessary to specify which sexual activity the child was being groomed for/procured, only that it was for sexual activity in general.
The definition of a child in this instance includes ‘fictitious children’ who are people pretending to be a children and who the accused believes are children.
Defences
Defences to this offence include but are not limited to duress and necessity.
Penalties
The maximum penalties for grooming children are as follows:
The maximum penalties for meeting a child following grooming for sexual purposes are as follows:
Although this offence attracts heavy maximum penalties, lesser penalties are always an option that the court may consider (such as good behaviour bonds, community service orders, suspended sentences or weekend detention). In the event that you plead or are found guilty, there may be factors that make it possible for the court to sentence you to a lesser penalty and our criminal lawyers are experienced at drawing this to the attention of the court.
How can Prime Lawyers help you?
If you have been charged with grooming a child under 16 for unlawful sexual activity, the experienced criminal lawyers at Prime Lawyers are able to assist you with your case. They will carefully examine the facts surrounding the alleged offence and will advise you as to the best route to take with regards to the matter, whether that be defending your matter