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ABOUT US
SERVICES
OFFENCE PROFILE
VOLUNTARY INTERVIEW
BLOGS
CASE STUDIES
CONTACT
More
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Sexual Harm Prevention Orders (SHPO) – Legal Defence You Can Rely On

 Protecting Your Rights. Minimising Long-Term Restrictions. 

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What Is a Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO)?

A Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) is a court order designed to restrict the behaviour or activities of individuals convicted of sexual offences where there is an ongoing risk of harm to the public. These orders are not automatic; they are imposed at the discretion of the court only if necessary and proportionate.


SHPOs are governed by the Sexual Offences Act 2003 (as amended) and have replaced the now-defunct SOPOs (Sexual Offences Prevention Orders). They are considered ancillary orders, meaning they are added on top of any main sentence, such as a custodial term or community order, but are not a punishment themselves.


Whether you are facing the possibility of a SHPO or have already been served with one, our experienced SHPO solicitors in the UK provide clear, strategic legal defence to ensure your freedoms are not unjustly restricted.

What Can SHPO Conditions Include?

 Every SHPO is tailored to the individual’s case, but common restrictions may include:


Banning or limiting internet use
 

Prohibiting the use of VPNs or encrypted apps
 

Requiring the disclosure of digital identities (email, social media accounts, usernames)
 

Restrictions on contact with children
 

Limitations on travel, including foreign travel bans
 

Prohibiting employment in roles involving vulnerable people
 

Banning the deletion of browsing history or data
 

Each condition must pass a legal test of necessity and proportionality. Our team will review each proposed restriction and push back against any that are vague, excessive, or unsupported by evidence.

Why Early Legal Advice Is Crucial

 If a SHPO is being considered by the prosecution or court, early legal intervention is vital. As your dedicated SHPO solicitor UK, we:


Scrutinise each condition for legality and enforceability
 

Engage in negotiation with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) before a final order is made
 

Challenge inappropriate or overly broad conditions
 

Ensure your rights, lifestyle, and employment are properly considered
 

Push for limited durations where lifetime orders are not justified
 

Even one restrictive clause can impact your life for years. Let us help you manage or remove them before they are imposed.

How Long Do SHPOs Last?

 SHPOs can be imposed for a fixed term (minimum 5 years) or indefinitely.
 

A lifetime SHPO can have serious, long-lasting impacts, even after the main sentence has ended.
 

In many cases, SHPOs are aligned with Sex Offender Notification Requirements, but courts can decide otherwise.
 

A  lifetime SHPO solicitor can help you argue against unnecessary lifelong restrictions and seek time-limited alternatives backed by mitigation and risk management proposals.

There Are Serious Consequences If An SHPO Is Breached

Breaching a SHPO, even unintentionally, is a criminal offence punishable by up to five years in prison.


Common breaches include:

  • Failing to report new social media accounts
  • Using restricted software or websites
  • Applying for a job that violates the order
  • Deleting your browser history is a breach of the conditions
     

We provide expert breach of SHPO legal advice, helping you respond quickly, avoid escalation, and mitigate consequences.

Can You Challenge a SHPO?

Yes, under Section 103E of the Sexual Offences Act 2003, SHPOs can be varied, discharged, or appealed.


We advise on:

  • How to challenge a SHPO after it’s been imposed
  • Applying to vary conditions (e.g. to allow internet use or remove restrictions after rehabilitation)
  • Seeking to discharge a SHPO early based on positive changes in the risk profile
  • Building the right evidence base, including expert reports or risk assessments
     

Whether you're challenging an existing order or resisting a proposed one, our team has the tools to fight for a better outcome.

Why Choose Us for SHPO Defence?

 Decades of experience in sexual offence defence and public protection law


Specialist knowledge of digital rights, privacy law, and SHPO compliance


Trusted by clients across the UK for discreet, tactical legal support


Full defence service from pre-sentence reports to post-conviction reviews


Proven success in challenging SHPOs and preventing lifetime restrictions 

Need an SHPO Solicitor? Contact Us Today

If you’ve been told a Sexual Harm Prevention Order is being considered or you’re already subject to one, you need expert legal advice. We offer a confidential, judgement-free consultation and rapid legal support.

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Sexual Offence Defence

International House, 36 - 38 Cornhill | London | EC3V 3NG

0330 043 4302

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Sexual Offence Defence

International House, 36 - 38 Cornhill | London | EC3V 3NG

0330 043 4302

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