Indecent Images Solicitors
At Bell Lamb & Joynson, we have a highly experienced team of solicitors who specialise in offences involving indecent images, as well as other sexual offences. We’ve been representing clients for over 200 years, with expert knowledge in defending clients charged with such offences and helping them through the Court process.
What Are Indecent Images?
Indecent images refer to images of children (anyone under the age of 18) that show them in a sexually explicit manner. Indecent images are considered:
- Photographs or videos showing children either naked or partially clothed
- Children engaging in sexual activities
- Fake (or AI-generated) indecent imagery or videography resembling real children
It's a criminal offence to make/possess, or produce indecent images, and the law categorises them in levels of severity to guide sentencing decisions.
Categories of Indecent Images
There are three main categories of indecent images, defined by the Protection of Children Act 1978:
- Category A - Severe indecent images showing sexual activity, such as penetration
- Category B - Indecent images showing non-penetrative sexual activity
- Category C - Least severe indecent images showing erotic poses without any sexual activity
Although ranked from severe to less severe, all categories are a serious offence and if convicted normally result in custodial sentences (see below).
Sentencing Guidelines: Indecent Images Offences
Making an indecent image includes creating a new image, or photocopying, printing, downloading, and opening an attachment or automated pop-up that shows an indecent image.
Under Section 1 of the Protection of Children Act 1978, the maximum sentence for making indecent images is ten years.
Possession of an indecent image relates to storing and viewing sexual imagery or videography of a person under the age of 18.
Under Section 160 of the Criminal Justice Act 1988, the maximum sentence for the possession of indecent images or pseudo images is 5 years’ imprisonment.
Distributing indecent images is considered a serious offence. The act of distributing indecent images means sharing them with others, ultimately causing more harm. Whether this is via text, email, or uploading them to websites, distribution allows other individuals to access indecent imagery, which they could go on to share further.
Similar to the act of making indecent images, under Section 1 of the Protection of Children Act 1978, the maximum sentence for distributing indecent images is ten years.
Have You Been Accused of an Indecent Image Offence?
At Bell Lamb & Joynson, our Indecent Images solicitors can defend you if you believe that you've been wrongly accused of a sexual offence. We’re highly experienced, having helped a broad range of clients who have been accused of an indecent image offence.
Our solicitors for indecent images are part of one of the top Criminal Law teams in the country. You can trust us to guide, support, and advise you throughout the process while offering representation at the police station, during the investigation, and at Court.
To find out how we can help if you’ve been wrongly accused of an indecent image offence, please contact us today.
Indecent Images Solicitors FAQs
What should I do if I have been accused of an indecent image offence?
If you’ve been accused of an indecent image offence, the first thing you should do is contact our trusted Indecent Images solicitors for specialist sexual offence advice.
We advise that you avoid contacting the individual making the accusation, even if they try to reach out to you. Please make sure calls, emails, messages, and even any letters are preserved. This will help us build the strongest defence on your behalf.
What evidence is needed to help defend an indecent image case?
Common evidence to defend an indecent images case includes:
- Lack of knowledge about the indecent images
- Proof that you removed the images as soon as possible
- Proof that possession of indecent images was accidental
- Genuine reason for possession, such as working in law enforcement or child protection services
If you’ve been accused of an indecent image offence, your appointed Indecent Images solicitor will discuss what evidence may be required to build a strong case.
Will I go to prison for an indecent image offence?
Yes, if you are found guilty of an indecent image offence, you will likely receive a sentence of imprisonment. The length of imprisonment depends on the severity of your case, the nature of your offence (making, possessing, or distributing indecent images), the category it falls under, and any other possible aggravating or mitigating factors.
Sentences of imprisonment of two years or less may be suspended. Our highly experienced team is skilled at ensuring the court carefully considers its power to suspend a sentence where appropriate.
Are there any possible defences for indecent images?
Section 160 makes it an offence to possess indecent images or pseudo-images of children. However, possible defences include:
- Having a genuine and legitimate reason for possession of indecent images
- You had not seen or been aware that you had the image
- The image was sent to you unrequested
Please note that possession of indecent images is enough to face imprisonment, and strong evidence is required to defend yourself against the Court.
Still got a question? Get in touch!