So what is the law when it comes to sex? Well, we've picked out some key sections of Isle of Man law with an explanation around what it means to you.
The Sexual offences Act 1992 Section 3 states:-
“Any person who applies to, or causes to be taken by, another person any drug, matter or thing with intent to stupefy that person so as thereby to enable himself or a third person to commit a sexual act with him or her shall be guilty of an offence and liable on conviction on information to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 7 years”
This may be interpreted and applied in a number of scenarios. It is accepted that if a female was so intoxicated that she did not know what she was doing the above law could be enforced with a charge of rape or a sexual offence brought against the person. So drunken consent may not be a defence.
This law is also very relevant in the situation of Date Rape when a drug is administered with the specific intent of quickly rendering the victim incapacitated and usually unconscious. The perpetrator then usually sexually assaults or has intercourse with the victim whilst unconscious. This type of substance is quickly broken down in the body and when the victim presents themselves at a police station and then hospital blood test can show nothing detectable in the blood.
The main date rape drugs used tend to be Rohypnol, GHB (Gamma Hydroxy Butyrate) and Ketamine.
Obviously these are two very different circumstances but the law takes a very serious view of both with conviction potentially resulting in a jail sentance.
The law around underage sex is fairly clear and the below outlines the main areas relevant to underage sex and indecent assault.