24-hour sex notification order labelled 'very odd' by top British lawyer

An unnamed man must give police 24 hours notice before having sex and has restrictions on his internet usage

(PA)

A leading barrister has described the issuing of a 24-hour sex notification order as "very odd" and "pretty silly".

The Interim Sexual Risk Order requires an unnamed man from York to give police 24 hours notice before he intends to have sex. The order also places restrictions on his internet and smartphone use.

Despite being cleared of rape in 2015, the man in question is believed to pose a risk to society.

Mark Fenhalls QC, the Chairman of the Criminal Bar Association, told Sky News: “The 24 hours seems very odd and seems unusual to all of us, and of course it's a delight for headline writers. Frankly, it's pretty silly.”

He added: “There is concern about it because these orders are not meant to force people to do things - they're supposed to be prohibitive, to stop people doing things.

“Someone should take a careful look at this one and see whether or not it is correct.“

The order was originally handed out by magistrates in Northallerton in North Yorkshire – it was extended by four months in York.

This order reads as follows: “You must disclose the details of any female including her name, address and date of birth.

“You must do this at least 24 hours prior to any sexual activity taking place.“