Pearl, R v [2025] EWCA Crim 994 (04 July 2025)

Pearl, R v [2025] EWCA Crim 994 (04 July 2025)

The SHPO imposed was unnecessary and disproportionate in respect of internet restrictions and prohibitions on contact with children under 18, as the offending related to a single individual and there was no evidence of risk to children generally. Only the restriction on seeking or holding employment involving authority or care of children under 18 was justified.

Citation
[2025] EWCA Crim 994
Parties
Prosecution: Rex; Appellant: Catherine Pearl
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
04 July 2025
Procedural Posture
Criminal Appeal / Court of Appeal Judgment
Outcome
Appeal allowed in part; SHPO quashed and replaced with a narrower order.
Legal Topics
Sexual Offences, Abuse of Trust, Sexual Harm Prevention Order (shpo), Sentencing, Proportionality of Orders
Criminal Law Sexual Offences Abuse of Trust Sexual Harm Prevention Order (shpo) Sentencing Proportionality of Orders

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Parties

Rex

Prosecution

Catherine Pearl

Appellant

Procedural Posture

Criminal Appeal / Court of Appeal Judgment

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether the Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO) imposed was necessary and proportionate in scope
  2. 2 Whether restrictions on internet use and contact with children under 18 were justified

Ratio Decidendi

The SHPO imposed was unnecessary and disproportionate in respect of internet restrictions and prohibitions on contact with children under 18, as the offending related to a single individual and there was no evidence of risk to children generally. Only the restriction on seeking or holding employment involving authority or care of children under 18 was justified.

Court Disposition

Appeal allowed in part; SHPO quashed and replaced with a narrower order.

Orders

  • Quash the original SHPO.
  • Substitute a new SHPO restricting the appellant from seeking or holding any voluntary or paid employment which would result in her working or having any position of authority or care of children under the age of 18, to last for 10 years from 23 January 2025.