Have you been charged with Using Force, Threat etc. to Cause Another Person to Provide Commercial Sexual Services?
There are a number of things to consider if you have been charged with this offence relating to sexual servitude. Can the prosecution make out their case? Did you use force or a threat, to cause another person to provide commercial sexual services? Did you make threats or force with the intention of making another person provide commercial sexual services?
You should discuss the answers to these questions with a specialist criminal lawyer as soon as possible.
Please read below for more information in relation to this charge.
The offence
Section 53B of the Crimes Act 1958.
The prosecution must prove:
- The defendant used force or threat against a person to enter into an engagement to provide commercial sexual services; and
- The defendant by engaging in the above conduct or by intention of, engaging in that conduct caused that person to continue to provide such services or did not allow the person to leave the place or area where that person provided commercial sexual services.
The maximum penalty
Level 4 imprisonment being a maximum of 15 years.
Where will my case be heard?
Using Force, Threat etc. to Cause Another Person to Provide Commercial Sexual Services cases will be heard in the County Court.
Questions to consider
Do you have a defence?
If you are pleading guilty, what can you do to minimise your sentence?
What to do next?
Now is the time to make sure that you have a lawyer who can give you that advice, help you prepare your evidence and discuss what is to be addressed in this matter. Arrange a time to see one of our experienced sex offence criminal lawyers.
Preparation is critical to the success of any matter, ensure that you prepare appropriately by seeking quality legal advice. If you have been charged with Using Force, Threat etc. to Cause Another Person to Provide Commercial Sexual Services make an appointment to see one of our experienced sex offence criminal lawyers
The Legislation
Section 53B Using force, threat etc. to cause another person to provide commercial sexual services
(1) A person (A) commits an offence if—
(a) A—
(i) uses force against another person (B) or any other person; or
(ii) makes a threat to, or against, B or any other person; or
(iii) unlawfully detains B or any other person; or
(iv) engages in fraud or misrepresentation (including by omission) in relation to B or any other person; or
(v) uses a manifestly excessive debt owed, or purportedly owed, by B or any other person; and
(b) A, by engaging in the conduct referred to in paragraph (a), causes B—
(i) to provide, or to continue to provide, commercial sexual services; or
(ii) to not be free to leave the place or area where B provides commercial sexual services; and
(c) A—
(i) intends that engaging in the conduct referred to in paragraph (a) will cause B—
(A) to provide, or to continue to provide, commercial sexual services; or
(B) to not be free to leave the place or area where B provides commercial sexual services; or
(ii) knows that engaging in the conduct referred to in paragraph (a) will, or probably will, cause B—
(A) to provide, or to continue to provide, commercial sexual services; or
(B) to not be free to leave the place or area where B provides commercial sexual services.
(2) A person who commits an offence against subsection (1) is liable to level 4 imprisonment (15 years maximum).
