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Dishonest communication with a child

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
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