The free library135 of 195 Sexual offences

Causing a child to watch a sexual act

s.12Sexual Offences Act 2003

A person aged 18 or over, for sexual gratification, intentionally causing a child under 16 to watch someone engaging in sexual activity or to look at an image of sexual activity.

Causing a child to watch a sexual act · Sexual Offences Act 2003, s.12Card 135 / 195

Points to prove

The defendant (A) was aged 18 or over
For the purpose of obtaining sexual gratification
Intentionally caused another person (B) to watch a third person engaging in an activity, or to look at an image of any person engaging in an activity
The activity was sexual
EitherB was under 16 and A did not reasonably believe that B was 16 or over
OrB was under 13 (belief about age is then irrelevant)

Key definitions

Image – s.79(4): a moving or still image produced by any means, including a three-dimensional image. Showing a child pornography on a phone or screen is covered.
Image of a person – s.79(5): includes an image of an imaginary person.
Sexual – s.78: judged by a reasonable person, from the nature of the activity and, where it may be sexual, its circumstances or anyone’s purpose.
Sexual gratification – the gratification does not have to be immediate. It is enough if A intends to obtain it later, for example by preparing the child for sexual activity (R v Abdullahi 2006).
Watch – the third person can be watched directly. The activity need not involve A.

Good to know

If A is the one engaging in the sexual activity, in B’s presence or where B can see it, the offence is s.11 (engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child).
Where A is under 18, the same conduct is charged under s.13 (maximum 5 years).
Showing the image over a video call or messaging app can be enough, provided the elements above are proved.
Consider also offences relating to indecent images of children if the image shows a child.

Legislation: Sexual Offences Act 2003, s.12 (opens legislation.gov.uk in a new tab)
Mode of trial: Either way
Maximum penalty: 10 years' imprisonment (on indictment); 12 months' imprisonment and/or a fine (summary)
Last checked: 2 November 2026, against the current law on legislation.gov.uk

Causing a child to watch a sexual act: questions people ask

What are the points to prove for causing a child to watch a sexual act?

1. The defendant (A) was aged 18 or over 2. For the purpose of obtaining sexual gratification 3. Intentionally caused another person (B) to watch a third person engaging in an activity, or to look at an image of any person engaging in an activity 4. The activity was sexual 5. B was under 16 and A did not reasonably believe that B was 16 or over 6. B was under 13 (belief about age is then irrelevant)

What is the maximum sentence for causing a child to watch a sexual act?

10 years' imprisonment (on indictment); 12 months' imprisonment and/or a fine (summary)

Is causing a child to watch a sexual act a summary, either-way or indictable offence?

Causing a child to watch a sexual act is an either-way offence: it can be tried in the magistrates’ court or the Crown Court.

What Act and section is causing a child to watch a sexual act?

Causing a child to watch a sexual act is an offence under the Sexual Offences Act 2003, s.12.

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