Being accused of a sexual offence is deeply distressing and can place significant strain on every aspect of your life. Given the potential consequences, including registration as a sex offender and in serious cases, a custodial sentence, obtaining early advice from a specialist solicitor is crucial.
Reeds Solicitors are a leading firm in this field, advising and representing clients from the earliest stages of a police investigation through to court proceedings when required. Our Sexual Offences Team brings together more than 100 years of combined experience and includes solicitors and partners recognised as Leading Individuals by the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners.
We have a proven record of defending people from all walks of life. We deal with investigations for sexual offences of all descriptions. These include:
- Rape
- Sexual assault
- Historic sexual offences
- Allegations involving a breach of a relationship of professional trust (e.g. doctor-patient, teacher-pupil)
- Sexual communication with a child
- Possession of indecent images
- Causing or inciting a child to engage in sexual activity
- Indecent Exposure
- Outraging public decency / Sexual activity in a public place
- Revenge porn
- Extreme porn
Common contexts we regularly see
- Allegations following relationship breakdown or Family Court proceedings
- University and student-related allegations
- Online allegations, including unsolicited indecent images
- Workplace sexual harassment or assault allegations
- Cases involving neurodiverse individuals
- Allegations involving so called ‘paedophile hunter’ groups and potential entrapment
For confidential, expert advice, contact our Sexual Offences Team for an initial consultation. Call 0333 240 7373 or email [email protected] or send an enquiry through our contact us page here.
One of the top five criminal defence firms
Reeds LLP is consistently ranked among the top criminal defence firms in the UK through Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners, independent legal directories that assess firms based on expertise, reputation, and client and peer feedback. We have extensive experience handling high-profile sexual offence cases, including Operation Bullfinch and other nationally reported investigations.
For individuals that wish to instruct the highest level of representation, we also have extensive connections to leading Kings Counsel (Silk) to ensure you have a top tier defence at your disposal. Kings Counsel can work alongside us to write representations, skeleton arguments and disclosure documents in an attempt to prove your innocence before a matter gets to a court room. If it does proceed to a trial, you could not be in better hands.
Stuart provided us with calm, professional, friendly & reassuring legal advice & representation in what was a very stressful situation. He was extremely responsive to all our communications & helped facilitate a positive outcome.
Google Review 2026 - JF
Stuart was exemplary - everything you could hope for in a solicitor. He was forensic, cutting through the noise and seeing clearly exactly what mattered. And of course, he was excellent at what you would expect - preparing briefs, weighing arguments, drafting correspondence. But what sets him apart is his genuine compassion. Going through such a confusing and difficult process, Stuart is the steady and empathetic hand that guided me through. He could instantly put my restless, overanxious mind at ease, going above and beyond in being there personally - after hours, on phone calls - providing my family and I reassurance while never compromising on honesty or clarity. He took my opinions seriously, and we felt like a team. He saw my case through to a very favourable conclusion, kept me grounded when I myself was full of doubt, and enabled me to move on with, and thrive in, my life - with my case firmly in the past. I could not recommend him strongly enough, nor be more grateful.
Review Solicitors Review 2025 - Anon
I had an excellent experience with Reeds Solicitors LLP. Kate was professional, knowledgeable, and incredibly supportive throughout the process. She guided me with clarity and confidence, making a stressful situation much easier to navigate. I highly recommend their services!
Google Review 2025 - JP
I was wrongfully accused of multiple serious crimes in 2023. After extensive research, my family and I chose Reeds Oxford for legal assistance. From my initial bail period through subsequent arrests, the charging process, and my eventual trial, I was represented by their dedicated team. I am now fully acquitted of all charges and living my life as a free person - something that would not have been possible without Reeds' unwavering support...
Review Solicitors 2025 - Josh
When we found ourselves unexpectedly in need of a lawyer, we asked our professional and legal friends around the country. The same one firm and one name was swiftly identified by all: Stuart Matthews reputation precedes him. He combines being warm, friendly and approachable with devastating intelligence and impressive efficiency. He also has the rare ability to really listen, question and then condense a complex narrative into an epic defence. His team at Reeds were also very efficient and professional. Stuart has achieved an excellent outcome in any matter in which he has represented us and we recommend him unreservedly.
Review Solicitors 2025 - Sarah
Highly recommend Reeds, outstanding service, amazing attention to detail, nothing is to much trouble, they are with you all the way & always at the end of the phone for any advice that you may need special mention to daisy goes above and beyond many thanks.
Google Review 2025 - BB
At what was a very worrying and stressful time, Scott was able to provide good advice on my situation and help me to see a way forward. He was able to help me understand the process and certain things I could do to mitigate charges if brought against me. He was very clear and friendly and helped me to understand the whole legal process. What was very reassuring is that he was in no way judgemental and fully focused on getting the best result. It all worked out very well in the end and I would highly recommend!
Review Solicitors 2025 - James
How Our Sexual Offence Solicitors Can Help
It is essential to obtain expert legal advice at an early stage, both to understand what lies ahead and to consider whether proactive steps can be taken to prevent charges being brought. When instructed, we manage all communication with the investigating officer on your behalf, including seeking case updates, making representations for the removal of bail conditions where necessary, and ensuring you are placed in the strongest possible position as the investigation progresses.
We specialise in writing written representations, setting out weaknesses in the evidence and arguing that the matter should be dropped. It is essential that the prosecutor, when reviewing the evidence from the Police, does not simply review a one-sided account.
For example, there may be a variety of sources of defence evidence that can be gathered and submitted to the police on your behalf:
- Text messages,
- Emails and other forms of electronic communication
- Social media evidence
- CCTV
- Medical evidence
- Expert reports
- Further witness details and witness statements
Decisions made at the police station – including whether to answer questions and how much detail to provide – can have a significant bearing on the outcome of a sexual offence investigation. Whether you are asked to attend a voluntary interview or a re-interview following a period on bail, we provide clear, expert advice tailored to the circumstances of your case.
Re-interviews
Police may seek to re-interview a suspect where further evidence has been obtained, such as additional material from the complainant or digital or witness evidence. We obtain advance disclosure where possible and advise on the implications of any new material, as well as the most effective interview strategy.
Voluntary interviews
A voluntary interview does not mean the matter is not serious. In many cases, if a person does not attend voluntarily, the police may instead choose to arrest them. When instructed, we seek disclosure in advance and provide focused pre-interview advice to ensure you are properly prepared before attending the police station, helping to reduce understandable anxiety and ensure decisions are made with clarity and confidence.
If a matter reaches court, it is crucial to receive clear, honest advice about the strength of the evidence and the options available. We advise on whether allegations should be contested, what evidence may be challenged, and how the case should be prepared.
In contested cases, expert evidence is often central to the defence. Depending on the issues, this may involve instructing independent experts to analyse and challenge the prosecution evidence. At Reeds, we regularly instruct:
• Forensic & DNA experts
• Private investigators / enquiry agents
• Digital forensic experts
• Toxicologists
• Psychiatrists and psychologists
• CCTV analysts and image enhancement specialists
Where an allegation is accepted and cannot be avoided, we aim to achieve the lowest possible sentence. This may include drafting a basis of plea, reducing the seriousness of what is being accepted, and preparing detailed mitigation, such as character references or medical evidence.
Crown Court Representation
Many sexual offences are heard in the Crown Court due to their seriousness. In such cases, clients are represented by a senior litigator working closely with specialist barristers.
We regularly instruct experienced sexual offence barristers and King’s Counsel and assist clients in selecting the right advocate for their case. You will have regular contact with both your solicitor and counsel and be kept fully informed as your case progresses.
We understand that some sexual allegations are false and may arise for a variety of reasons. For those accused, it can be deeply frustrating to feel that allegations are being accepted largely on the word of a complainant, with little independent or corroborative evidence to support the account being given.
Our dedicated Sexual Offences Team specialises in representing individuals facing false allegations. By carefully examining the background, circumstances, and timing of an allegation, it is often possible to identify weaknesses or inconsistencies within the prosecution case. A thorough defence requires consideration of all potential sources of defence evidence, including messages exchanged between the parties, witness statements, and other relevant material. Our focus is on challenging the allegation robustly and protecting our clients position, reputation, and future.
Operation Nautical – Reeds successfully defended three individuals facing so-called “grooming ring” allegations, following the extraordinary results in Operation Nautical 1 and 2. After a three-month trial, “J”, represented by our Oxford-based Head of Chambers together with Lisa Wilding KC of Furnival Chambers, was unanimously acquitted of all charges.
Operation Bullfinch – Reeds represented two individuals charged in the original Oxford grooming gangs case, which attracted significant national attention and was the subject of both BBC and Channel 4 documentaries.
Anon – Celebrity Chef – Reeds successfully represented a celebrity chef accused of sexual assault in the workplace. The case resulted in a not guilty verdict after trial.
R v Bennell – The Reeds Sexual Offences Team represented Barry Bennell during his extensive police investigation and court proceedings. This case attracted international media attention.
R v A – Stuart Matthews and Eleanor Laws KC successfully defended a student of good character accused of seven separate rapes involving fellow students. He was found not guilty of all charges after trial.
R v S – In-house Sexual Offences Counsel Lucy Tapper successfully represented a man of good character accused of sexual abuse of his stepdaughter. Extensive defence analysis of downloads from the complainant’s phone undermined the prosecution case and resulted in a not guilty verdict after trial.
R v M – University Sexual Assault Allegation – Scott Primmer, Partner, secured a no further action outcome for an Oxford University student accused of sexual assault. Reeds also successfully represented him in related university disciplinary proceedings.
Anon – Historic Sexual Offences – Reeds secured an acquittal for a client facing serious historic sexual offence allegations. The case involved a week-long trial on a 13-count indictment, including allegations of rape, assault by penetration, and sexual activity with a child.
From our network of more than 20 offices, we provide expert legal representation for sexual offences in London, the South East, the South West, the Midlands, the North West, and Wales. Our team attends police stations and courts nationwide and can assist wherever your case is heard.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sexual offence allegations include a range of offences. These include sexual assault, rape, or attempted rape, offences relating to illegal pornography, historic abuse cases and child sexual offences.
Offences can carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, and allegations of a sexual offence can have a stigma against them which may affect a person’s private and personal reputation. When investigated for a sexual offence, the police are required to specify clearly which offence you are being accused of.
The Sexual Offences Act 2003 outlines the law around what constitutes as a sexual offence. The act covers both adult and child offences. Its aim is to consolidate previous legislation around sexual offences and to update and strengthen the law around specific offences.
Reeds Sexual Offence Solicitors have expertise in all facets of sexual offence cases. Cases are unique, so contacting one of our team is essential for accurate and practical advice for your situation. If you, or a family member or friend, have been arrested on allegations of a sexual offence, it is essential that you contact us immediately for legal advice.
If you would like further information about a specific sexual offence, many of the list below have specific pages dedicated to them. Consider reading over the page below which best reflects the allegations made.
- Indecent images, including possession of Indecent Images
- Extreme Pornography
- Sexual Communication with a Child
- Historic sexual offences
- Rape
- Revenge Pornography
- Sexual Assault
- Sexual Assault by Penetration
- Sexual Assault by Touching
Additionally, Reeds Solicitors have experts on court martial law. We have an excellent track record of representing Military Personnel on charges of sexual offences. If this relates to your case, please consider visiting our Military Personnel Assistance page here. An article on the same topic can be found here.
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