R v Devonald [2008]

R v Devonald [2008]

1. Facts:

• Scenario: D, posing as a 20-year-old girl online, tricked his daughter’s ex-boyfriend into masturbating on camera to humiliate him.

• Key Issue: Application of s.76 of the Sexual Offences Act concerning deception.

2. Outcome:

• Decision: D was convicted. The court interpreted deception broadly to include not only deception about the nature of the act but also its purpose. This was a departure from the narrow interpretation seen in Jheeta.

3. Impact and Analysis:

• Broad Interpretation of Deception: This case demonstrates an expanded view of deception under s.76, encompassing purposes beyond the nature of the act itself.

• Legal Precedents: It illustrates a shift towards a broader application of deception, impacting how consent is understood in the context of sexual offences.