Application for Sexual Risk Order Refused at Guildford Magistrates’ Court
An application by Surrey Police for a Sexual Risk Order (SRO) against G has been refused by Staines Magistrates’ Court.
The judgment was handed down on Friday, 13th February 2026, by District Judge Cooper, who found that the allegations relied upon by the police were not proven on the balance of probabilities.
Background to the case
G was arrested in May 2024 in connection with historic sexual allegations said to have been committed against five complainants between 2021 and 2022. After spending over a year on police bail, he was subsequently released under investigation (RUI), and enquiries remain ongoing. He has consistently denied these allegations in interviews with police.
Alongside the criminal investigation, Surrey Police made a pre-charge application for a Sexual Risk Order under Section 122A(6) of the Sexual Offences Act 2003. The application relied on the same allegations forming part of the criminal investigation, as well as a historic allegation dating back to when G was 14 years old. In relation to that earlier matter, no further action had been taken after it became clear G could not have been involved.
The nature of Sexual Risk Orders
Sexual Risk Orders are civil orders designed to protect the public from harm. They can be sought before any criminal charge is brought.
Such applications are widely regarded as challenging to defend. Civil hearsay rules apply, and it is rare for courts to permit cross-examination of complainants. The standard of proof is the civil test – the balance of probabilities – meaning the court must be satisfied it is more likely than not that the alleged conduct occurred and that an order is necessary and proportionate to protect the public.
Magistrates’ courts are often described as risk-averse in determining such applications, given the safeguarding considerations involved.
Disclosure issues and defence submissions
In this case, Surrey Police sought to rely on summaries of the complainants’ Achieving Best Evidence (ABE) interviews prepared by the investigating officers. Defence requests for disclosure of those interviews were initially refused by the police and released only after a successful court application for disclosure.
The police refused to provide the transcripts, citing limited resources. The Criminal Defence team at Hodge Jones & Allen prepared transcripts independently and, with instructed counsel, submitted a detailed analysis of the complainants’ accounts in defence submissions objecting to the police application for a final Sexual Risk Order against G.
The submissions made on behalf of G argued that the complainants’ evidence relating to consent was inconsistent and unreliable.
The Court’s decision
District Judge Cooper refused the application, concluding that the allegations had not been established on the balance of probabilities.
The ruling marks a positive outcome for G, who is of good character and had been subject to a high level of scrutiny after the court had granted an interim Sexual Risk Order during the proceedings.
Legal representation
Counsel instructed on behalf of G was Karlia Lycourgou of Doughty Street Chambers, who has considerable expertise in this area. She was instructed by James Nicholls, a Consultant Solicitor with the Criminal Defence Team at Hodge Jones & Allen,
The refusal of the SRO application represents a significant development in the case, while the underlying criminal investigation remains ongoing.
James Nicholls is a highly experienced criminal defence solicitor. He specialises in serious and complex cases, including murder, serious violence, sexual offences, large-scale drug trafficking and complex fraud, with particular expertise in Proceeds of Crime Act proceedings. A long-standing Duty Solicitor, James represents clients nationwide and is known for his strategic and robust defence work.
If you are under investigation, facing allegations, or subject to a civil order application such as a Sexual Risk Order, early specialist advice is crucial. Our Criminal Defence solicitors are highly experienced in defending pre-charge applications such as Sexual Risk Orders, as well as representing clients under investigation, on police bail, and before the Magistrates’ and Crown Courts. For confidential advice and representation, contact our Criminal Defence team today on 0330 822 3451 or request a callback.