You are here:

askTheSite

young worried couple

askTheSite puts you in direct contact with expert advisors across a range of topics.

Related articles

Sex in public

Whether you want to get frisky al fresco or sneak up on someone else who is, know the laws first.

Join the discussion

talking

If you've got an issue you want to talk about or just fancy a natter, check out the boards

Who's got news for you?

girl with newspapers

How do you keep your finger on the pulse? Tell us for your chance to win a magazine subscription.

Local advice finder

Search our database of more than 16,500 local, regional and national organisations which offer advice and support.

Latest articles

Hide your love away

Question

We were almost caught by the police having sex at a local nature reserve, in our van, at 10 o'clock at night. Could we have been prosecuted and, if so, what for?

Answer

According to UK law, it is illegal to have sex in a public place. A nature reserve would certainly come under this description, at any time of day or night, and so the police would have been able to charge you under the Public Order Act.

Usually the police will only act on a complaint from a third party. They could take action if an officer of the law was to catch you having sex, although it would be unusual for them to take you to court for it. Even so, there is still the potential for a charge under the Sexual Offences Act 2003 section 63 of trespass with the intent to commit a sexual offence.

So, you may have escaped prosecution this time, but it's worth knowing the risks you run before setting off in your van again in search of a good time.


Good answer? Bad info? Want to tell us what you think? We'd really like to hear what you've got to say about this answer so please click here to take the survey. Your feedback is confidential and as anonymous as you like.

Question answered by CAB


Print this page Add to favourites