Following the acquittal of Michael Peacock for selling hard core gay films, lawyers have notices that some of his material featured injuries upon masochists which go beyond what is currently permitted in law (more than “transient & trifling”). So the UK law is in a real mess, as it remains illegal to undertake certain heavy BDSM acts, but possessing and distributing images of such acts may not now be illegal !!!
Whilst the CPS has said that it accepts the jury’s verdict this may not be the end of the matter – only appeal judges make precedents.
Practitioners of BDSM need to seek the advice of specialists if they are ever charged with an offence. What is becoming abundently clear is that duty lawyers do not understand the legislation and are advising clients to plead guilty. But the advice of specialist lawyers like Myles Jackson is essential before any decision is taken. To find these, see those listed on this site or on the Backlash and Spanner websites.