Last Updated on 15 April 2025
Discharging a Sexual Offences Prevention Order (SOPO) or Sexual Harm Prevention Order (SHPO)
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Our specialist criminal defence solicitor, Jen Law, has extensive experience in helping clients apply for the discharge of Sexual Offences Prevention Orders (SOPOs) and Sexual Harm Prevention Orders (SHPOs). Below, she explains what is involved in discharging a SOPO or SHPO.
What Are SOPOs and SHPOs?
Sexual Offences Prevention Orders (SOPOs) and their modern equivalent, Sexual Harm Prevention Orders (SHPOs), are court orders imposed following a conviction for certain sexual offences. These orders are designed to protect the public from harm by placing restrictions on the individual subject to the order.
In many cases, the court will set a clear end date for the order. However, some orders are imposed indefinitely, meaning the individual remains subject to both the order and the associated Sex Offender Notification Requirements (SONR) beyond the standard legal timeframe.
The Impact of Indefinite Orders
Following a conviction for a qualifying sexual offence, SONR automatically applies for a set period defined by law — This can often be 2, 5, 7, or 10 years, unless a lifetime registration is imposed.
However, if a SOPO or SHPO has been made without an end date, the SONR obligations will continue indefinitely, even after the statutory registration period should have ended.
For example:
If someone was convicted on 1 December 2013 with a five-year registration period, their obligation to register would normally end on 1 December 2018. But if an indefinite SOPO or SHPO was also imposed, the registration requirement will continue unless and until the order is discharged by the court.
This means individuals can often find themselves subject to restrictions and registration for far longer than necessary — unless they take action to discharge the order.
When Can You Apply to Discharge an Order?
While courts can impose SOPOs or SHPOs for a fixed period, once five years have passed from the date the order was made, you are entitled to apply for it to be discharged.
How We Can Help
To make an application for discharging a SOPO or SHPO, you’ll need:
- A certificate of conviction or finding
- A copy of the SOPO or SHPO
- The Notice of Requirement to Register with the police
These documents, along with a well-prepared application, must be submitted to the court. The application should clearly outline the key dates, the nature of the conviction, the terms of the order, the relevant timeframes, and any supporting information.
Having an experienced solicitor like Jen Law to guide you through this process is invaluable. Jen has a strong track record of successfully discharging SOPOs and SHPOs, with the majority of applications being approved without the need for a court appearance — saving both time and legal costs.
If you believe you are eligible to apply for the discharge of a SOPO or SHPO, contact us today for expert advice and assistance. We cover the whole of Somerset and can also assit clients in Bristol, Bath, and surrounding areas.
Call our free helpline on Taunton 01823 354545 or email info@tauntonandsomersetsolicitors.co.uk