-
ACT Articles
-
National Articles
-
NSW Articles
-
QLD Articles
-
VIC Articles
-
WA Articles
Thank you Armstrong Legal, the lawyers that have helped over the past 3 years but more importantly, thank you to Thomas Allen for the major part you and Mr Buckland played. Cannot thank you enough. Cheers.
- Client
Hi all. I would like to thank Ms Lisa Riley for all her help with my legal issues this past month. It was the most harrowing experience of my life and thanks to her expertise, professionalism and knowledge of the law, I came out almost unscathed. I have no hesitation in recommending Lisa Riley and Armstrong Legal if you need help. The service is amazing and the cost was very minimal for the great outcome. Thank you Lisa for helping me in the most difficult time.
- Client
I just want to thank you from the bottom of my heart. My whole life I was thrown away, you made me feel like I did mean something. I could not have asked for a better lawyer. Your compassion and love for your job is inspiring. Your upfront and honesty were muchly appreciated, you are a beautiful person. Thank you for not giving up on me and thank you for all the work you put in. I wish you all the best for the future and I will be recommending you to everyone I know. You're amazing!!!!
- Client
I just wanted to thank you for representing me on Monday, I was overjoyed & relieved with the outcome. I don’t think it could have gone any better. All the best, I hope you got to celebrate this one instead after work, you forever made a difference in my life.
-
I know I thanked you before we parted company but please allow me to reiterate in writing my sincere deepest thanks for defending me in court today. … Armstrong Legal certainly has a great Lawyer you are a credit to the company and I'm quite sure you will secure a very successful future! … My Kindest Regards and Thanks
- Client
Throughout Angela has been the consummate professional. She maintained a calm, yet strong demeanour remained informative and completely open in her communication and took complete ownership of the situation. We felt confident we finally had an advocate to steer us out of the nightmare we were in, and she did so with great respect and sincerity. I cannot speak more highly of Angela. She has literally rescued our family from what looked very much like a hopeless future.
- Client
Words can’t describe how grateful I am to Trudie Cameron being my solicitor and to Andrew Tiedt presenting my case in the court. They both have been very supportive and amazingly professional and effective. I’ve got an absolutely fantastic outcome I couldn’t even dream about.
- Client
Soon after meeting Andrew I knew he was the solicitor I wanted to handle my matter. He immediately sprang into action which brought me stability and hope during a tumultuous time in my life. Andrew was never afraid to give me straight answers to my tough questions which is a true mark of integrity. He is clearly at ease in the court environment and I believe his calm and measured demeanour went a long way to helping me secure the best result from my day in court. I would certainly recommend you approach Andrew if you need assistance.
- Client
"Andrew Tiedt was very professional and considerate to personal circumstances and gave sound advice that resulted in the best outcome possible. Highly recommended."
-

This article was written by Michelle Makela - Legal Practice Director
Michelle has over 15 years experience in the legal industry, working across commercial litigation, criminal law, family law and estate planning. Michelle has been involved in all practice areas of the firm and in her personal practice has had experience in litigation at all levels (state and federal industrial tribunals, the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, the Federal Court, Federal...
Sexual Penetration of a Child Aged 16 or 17
In Victoria, it is an offence for a person who has care, supervision or authority over a child aged 16 or 17 to take part in an act of sexual penetration with the child. This offence carries a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment. The offence of sexual penetration of 16 or 17-year-old child is contained in section 48 of the Crimes Act.
What is sexual penetration?
Section 35 of the Crimes Act defines “sexual penetration” as the introduction, to any extent, by a person of either:
- their penis into the vagina, anus or mouth of another person, whether or not there is emission of semen; OR
- an object or part of his or her body (other than the penis) into the vagina or anys of another person, other than in the course of a procedure carried out in good faith for medical or hygienic purposes.
What must be proven?
To find a person guilty of sexual penetration of a 16 or 17-year-old child, the police must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that they:
- Took part in an act of sexual penetration with the victim;
- They intended to do so
- That the victim was 16 or 17 years of age;
- That they were not married with the victim; and
- That the victim was under theirr care, supervision or authority.
Section 48 of the Crimes Act expressly provides that a child is under someone’s care, supervision or authority if they are the child’s:
- Teacher
- Foster parent
- Legal guardian
- Minister of religion with pastoral responsibility for the child
- Employer
- Youth worker
- Sports coach
- Counsellor
- Health professional
This is not a complete list and the court will look at the circumstances of each case to determine whether or not the victim is under a person’s care, supervision or authority.
Possible Defences for Sexual Penetration of a Child 16 or 17
A person charged with this offence can defend the charge by arguing that:
- The victim consented and they believed on reasonable grounds that the victim was 18 or older; or
- They were married to the victim.
Which Court will Hear this Matter?
The matter is an indictable offence, meaning it is usually heard in the County Court. In some circumstances, it can be dealt with in Magistrates’ Court.
If you require legal advice or representation in any legal matter, please contact Armstrong Legal.
Bail is the release from custody of a person who has been arrested back into the community upon their agreement…
In Victoria, a person can be found guilty of possession of child abuse material under either Victorian legislation or under…
WHERE TO NEXT?
If you suspect that you may be under investigation, or if you have been charged with an offence, it is vital to get competent legal advice as early as possible. Our lawyers are highly specialised in criminal law and will be able to guide you through the process while dealing with the various authorities related to your matter.
WHY CHOOSE ARMSTRONG LEGAL?
Sydney Office
Level 35
201 Elizabeth Street
Sydney NSW 2000
Melbourne Office
Level 13
575 Bourke Street
Melbourne VIC 3000
Brisbane Office
Level 5
91 North Quay
Brisbane QLD 4000
Canberra Office
Level 9
Nishi, 2 Phillip Law Street
Canberra ACT 2601
Perth Office
Suite 207
22 St Georges Terrace Perth