Delay between the commission of sexual offences against children and complaint to police is not a mitigating factor unless the delay has resulted in some unfairness to the offender, either through curtailment of liberty or reputation during the delay period, or through demonstrated rehabilitation. The mere passage of time during which the offender enjoyed liberty and good reputation that would not have been available had the offences been disclosed does not mitigate sentence. A starting point of 6 years remains at the lower end of the scale for offences involving penile penetration of a child, and a starting point of approximately 4 years is appropriate for serious indecent dealing offences such as cunnilingus upon a child under 13.
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