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Applicability of SOR & SHPO while abroad


Applicability of SOR & SHPO while abroad

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CB Root
CB Root
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Wasn't too sure where to post this, hopefully here is OK.

I'm looking forward (with crossed fingers) to heading off on holiday once I'm off licence next year.  I have indefinite SOR and SHPO so need to pay careful attention to the rules.  

I have made myself familiar with the travel notification process and this seems quite straightforward.  I understand that I have to notify my travel details at least 7 days in advance, and if any of these should change while I'm away e.g. canceled flight, I have to notifiy again within 3 days of my return to the UK.

However I can't find a definitive statement on the extent to which the SOR and/or SHPO requirements apply abroad.

For example, if I access the internet from the UK using my own devices no notification is required, but if I were to use the wifi at e.g. Birmingham New St, I would have to notifiy within 3 days of doing so.

With one eye on the cost of mobile data overseas, I want to know whether I am still subject to the reporting requirements if I use the wifi in a Spanish bar... if so, I will have to carry a notebook and pen around with me to keep track !!

I'm sure I read somewhere that SOR and SHPO requirements do not apply while out of the UK, but for all my googling I can't find hard and firm info.

Any help much appreciated Smile

Paul
Paul
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CB Root - 2 Aug 25 6:22 PM
Wasn't too sure where to post this, hopefully here is OK.

I'm looking forward (with crossed fingers) to heading off on holiday once I'm off licence next year.  I have indefinite SOR and SHPO so need to pay careful attention to the rules.  

I have made myself familiar with the travel notification process and this seems quite straightforward.  I understand that I have to notify my travel details at least 7 days in advance, and if any of these should change while I'm away e.g. canceled flight, I have to notifiy again within 3 days of my return to the UK.

However I can't find a definitive statement on the extent to which the SOR and/or SHPO requirements apply abroad.

For example, if I access the internet from the UK using my own devices no notification is required, but if I were to use the wifi at e.g. Birmingham New St, I would have to notifiy within 3 days of doing so.

With one eye on the cost of mobile data overseas, I want to know whether I am still subject to the reporting requirements if I use the wifi in a Spanish bar... if so, I will have to carry a notebook and pen around with me to keep track !!

I'm sure I read somewhere that SOR and SHPO requirements do not apply while out of the UK, but for all my googling I can't find hard and firm info.

Any help much appreciated Smile

If you connect with your device to any wi fi that's OK, it's using another device for example a pc in a Internet cafe. I'd comply with all sor and SHPO requirements wherever you are. Depending on the police safeguarding assessment of you, foreign police may be notified anyway, and worse case you'll be refused entry to the country. 
Evan Davis
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The CPS seem to suggest that they have no jurisdiction to prosecute a Breach of SHPO, if such a breach occurs outside of the UK: Rape and Sexual Offences - Annex B: Statutory Limitations on prosecution of offences committed abroad - Table of Legislation | The Crown Prosecution Service

My previous understanding was that terms of SOPO/SHPO's specifically could not be enforced outside of the UK - nothing I have read on this topic seems to change that, however, the legal position remains unclear, and to my knowledge, untested.

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JGUK68
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Evan Davis - 4 Aug 25 10:38 AM
The CPS seem to suggest that they have no jurisdiction to prosecute a Breach of SHPO, if such a breach occurs outside of the UK: Rape and Sexual Offences - Annex B: Statutory Limitations on prosecution of offences committed abroad - Table of Legislation | The Crown Prosecution Service

My previous understanding was that terms of SOPO/SHPO's specifically could not be enforced outside of the UK - nothing I have read on this topic seems to change that, however, the legal position remains unclear, and to my knowledge, untested.

I agree. That is what I  have been told during my first home visit
CB Root
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Thanks for the prompt replies.  For the sake of absolute clarity, my aim is to be a law-abiding citizen for the rest of my days, hence why I feel the need to check details like this... 

Paul my PPU officer said there "shouldn't be any problem" with going to Spain, and I'm not high risk, so hopefully no Interpol notice (though I do appreciate these are done by a central team, not the PPU).

Evan Davis "the legal position remains unclear" - no surprise there then Smile

All the best !






Paul
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CB Root - 4 Aug 25 5:17 PM
Thanks for the prompt replies.  For the sake of absolute clarity, my aim is to be a law-abiding citizen for the rest of my days, hence why I feel the need to check details like this... 

Paul my PPU officer said there "shouldn't be any problem" with going to Spain, and I'm not high risk, so hopefully no Interpol notice (though I do appreciate these are done by a central team, not the PPU).

Evan Davis "the legal position remains unclear" - no surprise there then Smile

All the best !






I went to majorca in March, had to go to manned gate on return. Going to France and Spain later this year, so hopefully no issues. Of course when the visa thing becomes live (end next year) we may not be allowed, though we'll see. 
CB Root
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Paul Jan - 4 Aug 25 5:27 PM
CB Root - 4 Aug 25 5:17 PM
Thanks for the prompt replies.  For the sake of absolute clarity, my aim is to be a law-abiding citizen for the rest of my days, hence why I feel the need to check details like this... 

Paul my PPU officer said there "shouldn't be any problem" with going to Spain, and I'm not high risk, so hopefully no Interpol notice (though I do appreciate these are done by a central team, not the PPU).

Evan Davis "the legal position remains unclear" - no surprise there then Smile

All the best !






I went to majorca in March, had to go to manned gate on return. Going to France and Spain later this year, so hopefully no issues. Of course when the visa thing becomes live (end next year) we may not be allowed, though we'll see. 

As a matter of interest, did you get more questions than usual at the passport desk coming back in ?

On the topic of ETIAS, that doesn't go live until at least October 2026, so plenty of time for another couple of European trips Smile  Unfortunately in the application they are going to be asking for disclosure of convictions over the previous 15 years (and I have a sneaking suspicion this will only increase) so as I am now in my 70s, next year is probably going to see my personal Farewell Europe Tour Sad 
Paul
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CB Root - 4 Aug 25 5:51 PM
Paul Jan - 4 Aug 25 5:27 PM
CB Root - 4 Aug 25 5:17 PM
Thanks for the prompt replies.  For the sake of absolute clarity, my aim is to be a law-abiding citizen for the rest of my days, hence why I feel the need to check details like this... 

Paul my PPU officer said there "shouldn't be any problem" with going to Spain, and I'm not high risk, so hopefully no Interpol notice (though I do appreciate these are done by a central team, not the PPU).

Evan Davis "the legal position remains unclear" - no surprise there then Smile

All the best !






I went to majorca in March, had to go to manned gate on return. Going to France and Spain later this year, so hopefully no issues. Of course when the visa thing becomes live (end next year) we may not be allowed, though we'll see. 

As a matter of interest, did you get more questions than usual at the passport desk coming back in ?

On the topic of ETIAS, that doesn't go live until at least October 2026, so plenty of time for another couple of European trips Smile  Unfortunately in the application they are going to be asking for disclosure of convictions over the previous 15 years (and I have a sneaking suspicion this will only increase) so as I am now in my 70s, next year is probably going to see my personal Farewell Europe Tour Sad 

No, just where you've been etc.. Went through electronic gate at Palma OK. 

I'm hoping the etias will be graduated in some way, so just barring the 'worst'.. 
JASB
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CB Root - 2 Aug 25 6:22 PM
Wasn't too sure where to post this, hopefully here is OK.

I'm looking forward (with crossed fingers) to heading off on holiday once I'm off licence next year.  I have indefinite SOR and SHPO so need to pay careful attention to the rules.  

I have made myself familiar with the travel notification process and this seems quite straightforward.  I understand that I have to notify my travel details at least 7 days in advance, and if any of these should change while I'm away e.g. canceled flight, I have to notifiy again within 3 days of my return to the UK.

However I can't find a definitive statement on the extent to which the SOR and/or SHPO requirements apply abroad.

For example, if I access the internet from the UK using my own devices no notification is required, but if I were to use the wifi at e.g. Birmingham New St, I would have to notifiy within 3 days of doing so.

With one eye on the cost of mobile data overseas, I want to know whether I am still subject to the reporting requirements if I use the wifi in a Spanish bar... if so, I will have to carry a notebook and pen around with me to keep track !!

I'm sure I read somewhere that SOR and SHPO requirements do not apply while out of the UK, but for all my googling I can't find hard and firm info.

Any help much appreciated Smile

Hi

As other have mentioned the authorities have no "authority" when you are not within "UK" jurisdiction.

One point I will ask if to anyone else who has an indef SOR requirement.

As those on the indef SOR requirement are aware you have a 15 year countdown until your can apply to have it discharged.

Due to my various discussions with various areas of the "Authorities", I read that time spent outside of the UK jurisdiction does not count or rather is added on to the 15 years in the same manner time spent incarcerated is not counted in the reduction of the 15 year countdown.

Therefore has anyone become a victim of this? If so was you out of the country for days, weeks, months or years.

It would be interesting to know as I have found their records are not fully accurate and this element would have to be or at least "we would have to maintain our own records.

As always keep safe and lawful but be happy
 

Society suggests I must let go of all my expectations but I disagree, as whilst I have a voice, I have hope.

Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope is for tomorrow else what is left if you remove a mans hope.
------------------------------

This forum supports these words, thank you Unlock and your contributors.

AB2014
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JASB - 10 Sep 25 6:43 PM
CB Root - 2 Aug 25 6:22 PM
Wasn't too sure where to post this, hopefully here is OK.

I'm looking forward (with crossed fingers) to heading off on holiday once I'm off licence next year.  I have indefinite SOR and SHPO so need to pay careful attention to the rules.  

I have made myself familiar with the travel notification process and this seems quite straightforward.  I understand that I have to notify my travel details at least 7 days in advance, and if any of these should change while I'm away e.g. canceled flight, I have to notifiy again within 3 days of my return to the UK.

However I can't find a definitive statement on the extent to which the SOR and/or SHPO requirements apply abroad.

For example, if I access the internet from the UK using my own devices no notification is required, but if I were to use the wifi at e.g. Birmingham New St, I would have to notifiy within 3 days of doing so.

With one eye on the cost of mobile data overseas, I want to know whether I am still subject to the reporting requirements if I use the wifi in a Spanish bar... if so, I will have to carry a notebook and pen around with me to keep track !!

I'm sure I read somewhere that SOR and SHPO requirements do not apply while out of the UK, but for all my googling I can't find hard and firm info.

Any help much appreciated Smile

Hi

As other have mentioned the authorities have no "authority" when you are not within "UK" jurisdiction.

One point I will ask if to anyone else who has an indef SOR requirement.

As those on the indef SOR requirement are aware you have a 15 year countdown until your can apply to have it discharged.

Due to my various discussions with various areas of the "Authorities", I read that time spent outside of the UK jurisdiction does not count or rather is added on to the 15 years in the same manner time spent incarcerated is not counted in the reduction of the 15 year countdown.

Therefore has anyone become a victim of this? If so was you out of the country for days, weeks, months or years.

It would be interesting to know as I have found their records are not fully accurate and this element would have to be or at least "we would have to maintain our own records.

As always keep safe and lawful but be happy
 

I've just checked the law about notification periods, and it says that any period spent outside the UK before first notifying at a police station doesn't count towards the fifteen years. In the bit about calculating the qualifying period, time spent abroad isn't mentioned. I'm guessing that was set up to cover people who go abroad and are convicted in their absence, but whatever the reason, that's how it stands.

=========================================================================================================

If you are to punish a man retributively you must injure him. If you are to reform him you must improve him. And men are not improved by injuries. (George Bernard Shaw)

GO


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