SEXUAL OFFENCES
Sohail Bashir, the founder of Premier Defence, can provide you with the practical and specialist legal advice and representation you need at every stage of a sexual offences police investigation and CPS prosecution. Sohail has worked for and with some of the UK's largest and most prestigious criminal law firms. He appreciates that your freedom and reputation are on the line, and this may be your first-ever experience with the criminal justice system. You can trust that Sohail has the expertise, experience, and agility to run a successful defence and achieve the best outcome possible. He is adept at spotting and exploiting weaknesses in the prosecution's case and using this to build a water-tight defence. He is 100% committed to his clients and never gives up on protecting their best interests and achieving the best possible outcomes.
If you have been arrested or asked to come to the police station to answer questions, please email Sohail immediately:
Sohail has a wealth of experience in advising and representing clients on:
Rape
To prove rape, the prosecution must show:
a) The Defendant (A) penetrated the vagina, anus, or mouth of another person (B) with his penis,
b) B did not consent, and
c) A did not reasonably believe that B consented.
In most cases, the defence to rape is that the complainant consented to the sexual act. Sohail is highly experienced in defending rape trials and presenting evidence that makes the prosecution unable to prove lack of consent to the criminal standard (beyond reasonable doubt).
Sexual assault
The offence of sexual assault ranges from inappropriate touching to a vicious sexual attack. As with rape, the main defence is that the complainant consented to the sexual activity. If you are convicted, the maximum penalty is a 10-year custodial sentence.
Sohail will instruct expert witnesses to examine the details of the alleged sexual assault and provide evidence to the Court of your lack of intent and/or that the complainant provided their consent.
Indecent images offences
Sohail has over 20 years of expertise and experience in defending clients on all types of sexual offence matters, including indecent image offences. Under the Protection of Children Act 1978 (as amended), it is a criminal offence to take, make, circulate, and possess with intention to circulate any indecent photograph or pseudo-photograph of a child, defined as a person under 18 years. Sohail can uncover and present the evidence available to defend you against this life-altering criminal charge.
Removal from the sex offender register
If you have been convicted of a sexual offence, chances are you will be added to the sex offenders register (notification requirements) and made subject to a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) or a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO).
Sohail can assist you with several matters concerning the sex offenders register, including (but not limited to):
-
If the period of notification has been extended retrospectively due to the decision in the landmark case of R v Wiles [2004] EWCA Crim 836.
-
If restrictions under the SOPO or SHPO prove detrimental to your family or employment, he can make a request to the Court to vary the Order.
-
You have been subject to notification requirements for more than 15 years.
Revenge porn
Under section 33 of the Criminal Justice and Courts Act 2015, it is an offence to share private sexual photographs or films without the consent of the person who appears in them and with intent to cause that person distress.
If you did not intend to cause distress or the person appearing in the photographs or films consented to you disclosing them you will not be convicted. Sohail will swiftly and skilfully gather the evidence required to prove to a judge and jury that you received consent and did not intend to cause harm. If this is not possible, he can make representations to the Court to mitigate the sentence you receive.
Sexual communication with a child
Sohail can apply his specialist legal knowledge and skills to defend you against charges of having sexual communication with a child to obtain sexual gratification. He will work tenaciously to get the best outcome possible and explain the legal process to you in plain language to help lessen your stress and anxiety before and during the trial.
Conditional consent
Conditional consent is where a person consents to sexual activity but with conditions attached. For example, one party may consent to sexual intercourse if the other wears a condom. Removing the condom during sex is known as stealthing, and if convicted of this offence, you can go to prison.
You can be confident that by instructing Sohail to defend and represent you, you will have a motivated, proactive, and knowledgeable Sexual Offences Solicitor on your side who has over 20 years of experience.
Why choose Sohail?
Sohail is committed to ensuring everyone has access to justice. He never judges clients - his goal is to take away the stress and uncertainty of the situation and tenaciously work to ensure your best interests are protected. He understands the impact that being accused of a crime can have on your personal and professional reputation. He will therefore keep you regularly updated on how your matter is progressing. You can be confident that Sohail has the experience, commitment, and expertise to provide best-in-class legal advice and representation in all sexual offences matters.
If you have been arrested or face prosecution for a sexual offence, please email Sohail immediately: