It is an offence for a person aged 18 years and over to use deceptive means in order to meet or arrange to meet a child.
A person aged 18 years or over who:
- knowingly communicates with a child; and
- makes a false representation that they are younger than they are, or that they are someone other than who they are; and
- meets or arranges to meet with the child
is guilty of an offence. Maximum penalty: imprisonment for 5 years.
See section 139A(1) of the Criminal Law Consolidation Act 1935 (SA).
Further, a person who engages in the above conduct AND with the intent to commit an offence against the child will be guilty of an offence. Maximum penalty: imprisonment for 10 years [see s 139A(2)].
The definition of a child for these offences is any person under the age of 17 years.
Dishonest communication with a child : Last Revised: Fri Aug 10th 2018
The content of the Law Handbook is made available as a public service for information purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for legal advice. See Disclaimer for details. For free and confidential legal advice in South Australia call 1300 366 424.
The content of the Law Handbook is made available as a public service for information purposes only and should not be relied upon as a substitute for legal advice. See Disclaimer for details. For free and confidential legal advice in South Australia call 1300 366 424.