Latest news with #SexualOffencesAct2003
Daily Mirror
14-07-2025
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
Police tell anyone sunbathing in their garden to 'be careful'
As the UK is expected to face more heatwaves in the coming weeks, Brits are being reminded of these rules As temperatures rise and Britain gets a dose of sunshine, it's no surprise that millions of people head outdoors to make the most of it. Whether it's a barbecue at home in the garden or visiting a local park, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the summer sun whilst it lasts. Some people might prefer to top up their tan at home during the heatwave and go for an au natural approach to avoid tan lines. Ditching all your clothes while on your own property might seem like a decision that's 100% up to you, and in the privacy of your own property, but there are a few things to consider first. Legally speaking, in England and Wales, it is not an offence to be naked in public or private. However, there are exceptions because you need to be careful that you're not causing "distress or alarm" or harassing others, as this is an offence under Section 66 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003. The same conditions apply in Scotland and Northern Ireland. The College of Policing provides full advice and guidance in this document. Previously, Surrey Police had to clear up the rules for the rest of the country after it was called to a row between neighbours over this very issue. The force said: "If you want to wander around your garden naked and you are overlooked by neighbours, then you have to be careful - an Englishman's home is not quite his castle and your garden is not exempt from the law. "In an ideal world, your relationship with your neighbours would be such that they would not object to you gardening in the buff and they would never dream of calling the police. In the real world, however, you would be well advised to take some simple precautions." The police force offered a few options for people to consider when avoiding tan lines in the comfort of their own gardens, such as finding an area where they're less likely to be spotted by neighbours. But there's a chance your neighbours might be the ones finding themselves in trouble for complaining to the police. They added: "You will have to decide whether your desire to be naked in your garden is more important to you than being on friendly terms with those around you. No one has the right to spy on you, and if you find that your neighbour is leaning out of an upstairs window or standing on the top of a step ladder in order to see you, then he or she may well be committing an offence." British Naturism does claim there is "no obligation" to inform neighbours of one's desire to sunbathe without clothing. A spokesperson said: "There is no law against being naked in public, and so stripping off and enjoying the sun on your skin in your own garden cannot lead to arrest, nor can your neighbours make you cover up." Sunbathing, especially without protection, can lead to painful sunburns, which can be more severe in sensitive areas. Make sure to apply sufficient SPF protection with sunscreen and consider avoiding this activity during the harshest times of the day (typically between 10am and 2pm).
Daily Mirror
12-07-2025
- Daily Mirror
Rules on sunbathing naked in your garden in heatwave as police issue warning
If you're looking to get a back garden glow while avoiding tan lines, think twice before stripping off. Police have warned that you could be breaking the law As temperatures rise across the nation, many of us will be taking advantage of the sunny weather at beaches, parks, and other outdoor areas this weekend. And if you're fortunate enough to have a garden, what could be better than enjoying the balmy weather in your own private space, away from crowded public areas and scantily clad strangers? If you're planning on sunbathing in your garden, you might consider going au naturel to avoid unsightly tan lines. However, caution is advised as police warn that nudity in your own private garden could potentially breach the law. In England and Wales, public nudity is not inherently illegal, but there are stipulations. It becomes an offence under Section 66 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003 if nudity is intended to cause "distress or alarm". The Crown Prosecution Service states: "In the case of naturism, a balance needs to be struck between the naturist's right to freedom of expression and the right of the wider public to be protected from harassment, alarm and distress." While you may be within your own property when in your garden, those residing in terraced houses will know that it's often quite easy to get a peek into your neighbour's garden, even without intending to pry. Although you may not be physically exposing yourself in public, there's a risk of causing "distress or alarm" to your neighbours when you're sans attire in your own garden - it's only deemed illegal if there was an intent behind the action. So, how do you go about safely sunbathing naked without stirring the pot with those who live next door? The police recommend giving the neighbours a heads up if you're planning to soak up the rays in the buff, and to try and find a spot that's hidden from prying eyes for your naked retreat. There was a case in Reigate where Surrey Police addressed this very topic after a dispute erupted among residents. They cautioned: "If you want to wander around your garden naked and you are overlooked by neighbours then you have to be careful - an Englishman's home is not quite his castle and your garden is not exempt from the law." "In an ideal world, your relationship with your neighbours would be such that they would not object to you gardening in the buff and they would never dream of calling the police. In the real world, however, you would be well advised to take some simple precautions." But despite these warnings, the law stipulates that an offence only occurs if the individual in question intended to cause alarm or distress. British Naturism says there is "no obligation" to inform neighbours of one's disposition towards naturalist sunbathing. They said: "There is no law against being naked in public, and so stripping off and enjoying the sun on your skin in your own garden cannot lead to arrest nor can your neighbours make you cover up. "Being neighbourly might mean you tell your neighbours that you plan to sunbathe naked but there is no obligation to do so, so don't hesitate. "Studies have shown that spending time naked is good for you, and so we encourage everyone to take advantage of the wonderful weather and celebrate their uniqueness."
South Wales Guardian
09-07-2025
- South Wales Guardian
Former PE teacher appears in court charged with sexual offences against children
Bronwen James, 29, of Chippenham, Wiltshire, appeared at Salisbury Magistrates' Court on Wednesday accused of sexual activity with two girls and a boy over a three-year period. She is charged with six offences of sexual activity with a child, relating to girls under the age of 16, contrary to the Sexual Offences Act. James is also accused of two counts of sexual communication with a child and one count of making an indecent photograph of a child, namely a Category C – the least serious category – first generation image. The former teacher is also charged with four counts of sexual activity with a boy, contrary to the Sexual Offences Act 2003. Wiltshire Police previously confirmed that James taught PE at Hardenhuish School in Chippenham and Bitterne Park School in Southampton. Stephen Harrison, chair of the bench, told James that her case would be heard next at Salisbury Crown Court on August 7. He said: 'By virtue of three of these offences being indictable only, which means they can only be heard in the crown court, we will be sending them to the crown court. 'The other 10 offences are associated offences and therefore will be included in the hearing to be heard in front of the crown court. 'The next phase is to attend for a plea and trial preparation hearing which is going to take place at Salisbury Crown Court on August 7. 'In between now and August 7, you are granted bail with conditions. 'If you don't turn up to court at that appointed date and time, you may be committing an offence. 'You are not to have direct or indirect contact with the three complainants in this matter. 'You are not to have any unsupervised contact with any child or young person under the age of 16.' Mr Harrison asked James to confirm that she understood what he had said and to repeat the bail conditions to the court, which she did. The judge also stressed: 'The identities of all complainants for these matters is protected under law. Failure to comply is a criminal offence.' During the short hearing, James, wearing a cream two-piece outfit, also spoke to confirm her name, date of birth and address. She was not asked to enter any pleas to the charges against her. Siobhan Oxley appeared for the prosecution during the hearing, while Joshua Clements represented James. James will next appear before Salisbury Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing on August 7.
Rhyl Journal
09-07-2025
- Rhyl Journal
Former PE teacher appears in court charged with sexual offences against children
Bronwen James, 29, of Chippenham, Wiltshire, appeared at Salisbury Magistrates' Court on Wednesday accused of sexual activity with two girls and a boy over a three-year period. She is charged with six offences of sexual activity with a child, relating to girls under the age of 16, contrary to the Sexual Offences Act. James is also accused of two counts of sexual communication with a child and one count of making an indecent photograph of a child, namely a Category C – the least serious category – first generation image. The former teacher is also charged with four counts of sexual activity with a boy, contrary to the Sexual Offences Act 2003. Wiltshire Police previously confirmed that James taught PE at Hardenhuish School in Chippenham and Bitterne Park School in Southampton. Stephen Harrison, chair of the bench, told James that her case would be heard next at Salisbury Crown Court on August 7. He said: 'By virtue of three of these offences being indictable only, which means they can only be heard in the crown court, we will be sending them to the crown court. 'The other 10 offences are associated offences and therefore will be included in the hearing to be heard in front of the crown court. 'The next phase is to attend for a plea and trial preparation hearing which is going to take place at Salisbury Crown Court on August 7. 'In between now and August 7, you are granted bail with conditions. 'If you don't turn up to court at that appointed date and time, you may be committing an offence. 'You are not to have direct or indirect contact with the three complainants in this matter. 'You are not to have any unsupervised contact with any child or young person under the age of 16.' Mr Harrison asked James to confirm that she understood what he had said and to repeat the bail conditions to the court, which she did. The judge also stressed: 'The identities of all complainants for these matters is protected under law. Failure to comply is a criminal offence.' During the short hearing, James, wearing a cream two-piece outfit, also spoke to confirm her name, date of birth and address. She was not asked to enter any pleas to the charges against her. Siobhan Oxley appeared for the prosecution during the hearing, while Joshua Clements represented James. James will next appear before Salisbury Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing on August 7.
Glasgow Times
09-07-2025
- Glasgow Times
Former PE teacher appears in court charged with sexual offences against children
Bronwen James, 29, of Chippenham, Wiltshire, appeared at Salisbury Magistrates' Court on Wednesday accused of sexual activity with two girls and a boy over a three-year period. She is charged with six offences of sexual activity with a child, relating to girls under the age of 16, contrary to the Sexual Offences Act. James is also accused of two counts of sexual communication with a child and one count of making an indecent photograph of a child, namely a Category C – the least serious category – first generation image. Former PE teacher Bronwen James is on trial (Rod Minchin/PA) The former teacher is also charged with four counts of sexual activity with a boy, contrary to the Sexual Offences Act 2003. Wiltshire Police previously confirmed that James taught PE at Hardenhuish School in Chippenham and Bitterne Park School in Southampton. Stephen Harrison, chair of the bench, told James that her case would be heard next at Salisbury Crown Court on August 7. He said: 'By virtue of three of these offences being indictable only, which means they can only be heard in the crown court, we will be sending them to the crown court. 'The other 10 offences are associated offences and therefore will be included in the hearing to be heard in front of the crown court. 'The next phase is to attend for a plea and trial preparation hearing which is going to take place at Salisbury Crown Court on August 7. 'In between now and August 7, you are granted bail with conditions. 'If you don't turn up to court at that appointed date and time, you may be committing an offence. 'You are not to have direct or indirect contact with the three complainants in this matter. 'You are not to have any unsupervised contact with any child or young person under the age of 16.' James, 29, denies the charges (Rod Minchin/PA) Mr Harrison asked James to confirm that she understood what he had said and to repeat the bail conditions to the court, which she did. The judge also stressed: 'The identities of all complainants for these matters is protected under law. Failure to comply is a criminal offence.' During the short hearing, James, wearing a cream two-piece outfit, also spoke to confirm her name, date of birth and address. She was not asked to enter any pleas to the charges against her. Siobhan Oxley appeared for the prosecution during the hearing, while Joshua Clements represented James. James will next appear before Salisbury Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing on August 7.
