By NigelV2 - 7 Aug 15 7:46 AM
I'm currently applying to study an MA course and reading the application form, there is the following:
I have a relevant criminal conviction that is not spent: Y/N
Convictions that are spent (as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974) are not considered to be relevant and need not be disclosed. The definition of a
relevant conviction is one for offences against the person, whether of a violent or sexual nature, or for offences involving unlawfully supplying controlled drugs or
substances where the conviction concerns commercial drug dealing or trafficking. Such a disclosure does not automatically exclude you from the application
process but the University reserves the right to ask for further information about the conviction.
My understanding of this would be that I would only have to disclose a harassment offence as the other was an internet based image offence. Although talking to NACRO about a draft I was preparing for employment type disclosure, they said I would have to declare everything as it wasn't spent.
I'm just wondering if I've misread it or perhaps the person at NACRO isn't a fan of 'my sort'.
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By BenS - 5 Aug 15 6:55 PM
Not an expert, but from my experience with a similar offence, even an online image offence is considered by most people to fulfill the sexual nature requirement, even if you're no threat to anyone. On the other hand, offences against the person uses the same language as the Offences Against the Person Act 1861 which regulates things like GBH, ABH, physical stuff like that. But as I said, sadly most places put online image offences in the same category as more serious contact offences.
It's good to see a university ask only about "relevant" unspent convictions, rather than blanket all unspent convictions, although obviously that doesn't help if your offence is classed as relevant!
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By Deb S - 16 Sep 11 1:36 PM
Hi Nigel
I think that I'd agree with NACRO that both of these need to be disclosed if they're unspent.
Its likely that the University would consider them both to be relevant.
Feel free to give our Helpline a call if you want to have a chat about your application.
Good luck
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