The Sexual Offences Act 2003: (4) New civil preventative orders - sexual offences prevention orders; foreign travel orders; risk of sexual harm orders

This, the fourth article in a four part series, examines the three types of civil preventative order introduced by Part 2 of the Act. Reviews the types of orders available prior to the enactment of the 2003 Act, including protection from harassment orders under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997 s.3, anti social behaviour orders and sex offender orders under the Crime and Disorder Act 1998, and restraining orders under the Criminal Justice and Court Services Act 2000. Sets out the offences where conviction may lead to the imposition of a sexual offences prevention order or a foreign travel order. Notes the controversy over the introduction of risk of sexual harm orders which may be imposed on a person not convicted of any offence. Examines the impact of the new orders in relation to the number of orders likely to be imposed, the assessment of risk, and the punishment for breaches.