Page:Sexual Offences Act 2003.pdf/7

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2003 CHAPTER 42 An Act to make new provision about sexual offences, their prevention and the protection of children from harm from other sexual acts, and for connected purposes.

by the Queen’s most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:—

Rape 1 Rape

(1) A person (A) commits an offence if—
 * (a) he intentionally penetrates the vagina, anus or mouth of another person (B) with his penis,
 * (b) B does not consent to the penetration, and
 * (c) A does not reasonably believe that B consents.

(2) Whether a belief is reasonable is to be determined having regard to all the circumstances, including any steps A has taken to ascertain whether B consents.

(3) Sections 75 and 76 apply to an offence under this section.

(4) A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable, on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for life.