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Shop a paedophile to your neighbours and risk jail
Last updated at 07:22am on 14.06.07
Killer: Roy Whiting murdered Sarah Payne in 2000
Parents who warn their neighbours about a dangerous paedophile living nearby could be jailed under John Reid's new plans to deal with sex offenders.
They could be charged with inciting violence or a disturbance if they pass on any confidential details given them by police.
Campaigners said Mr Reid's proposals – his last major act as Home Secretary – were a shambles. Far from helping worried parents, they will create a dreadful dilemma about warning other families.
The 20-point plan, most of which was leaked in advance of yesterday's statement to Parliament, creates a presumption' that families who ask police about local dangers will be told about any paedophile who could pose a specific threat to their child.
Single mothers will also be able to ask for information on a new partner. But they must all promise not to divulge the information to
anybody else. Maggie Bucknall, of the Campaign Against Paedophile Accommodation, said: It is a disgrace that the very person who is trying to protect her children is the one who could end up in prison. Of course you are going to tell your family and friends.'
But Dyfed Powys chief constable Terry Grange, who leads for the Association of Chief Police Officers on child protection, said that if information was passed on and a mob gathered, the crowd would be arrested and we would look seriously at the individual who provided the information'.
Mr Reid's proposals stop well short of a UK version of Megan's Law, which allows U.S. citizens the right to know the name and address of any paedophile living nearby.
Most parents will have no right to be told even the number of offenders living nearby or on the school run. Even those entitled to the information could have their request refused, as there is simply a presumption' for disclosure. Police – who opposed a Megan's
Law – said information would be given out only if there was a direct threat to a child. Convictions for child porn or other less grave crimes may be kept secret.
As well as the tight limits, the disclosure rules cannot be introduced without legislation and even then there will only be pilot schemes in three areas. It could be years before the rights exist nationwide.
Mr Reid's plan for chemical castration' also attracted criticism as it emerged that the trial of drugs which can reduce a paedophile's sex drive will be voluntary. The attraction to children will return if they stop taking the medication.
Sara Payne, whose daughter Sarah, eight, was murdered by paedophile Roy Whiting in 2000, said drug treatment should be compulsory. She added: You're placing an honour-based system on people that have already shown they have absolutely no honour.
These are people that rape, molest our children, take photographs of what they're doing.
They've already shown that they are the nastiest people in the world.'
But she welcomed Mr Reid's plans as a massive step forward'.
Although there have been calls for a Sarah's Law, named after her daughter, Mrs Payne stressed: We never asked for a Megan's Law in the country. We never believed it would work. We only ever asked for access to information about predamonitoring-tory paedophiles. I think this will open the door to many more things.'
The NSPCC said it was pleased there would be no Sarah's Law because it could drive paedophiles underground.
Other suggestions made by Mr Reid, who is stepping down this month and must rely on Gordon Brown to implement the changes, include an extension to satellite of paedophiles. They will also be made to take lie detector tests to check they are not planning to re-offend. The details they must give on the Sex Offender Register will be widened to include e-mail and passport details.
There will also be a public awareness campaign to warn that family friends or relatives are statistically the most likely child abusers.
Mr Reid said the package would protect children, but added: The truth is that we can't live in a world without risk. There are bad people about.'
Shadow Home Secretary David Davis said ministers had done nothing to close the loophole which let homeless sex offenders give addresses such as a park bench', meaning police could not track them.
He also criticised the failure to implement recommendations about police forces sharing information, made by Sir Michael Bichard after the Soham murders of Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman.
Reader views (28)
This problem has been around for centuries. In earlier times they were punished now they are treated like victims. I thought democracy was about defending the rights of a majority of people to live decent lives. These people cannot be reformed so just lock them up. If I knew one was living next door I would tell and be dammed with the consequences.
- Fred, Dubai
Chemical castration only works when the subject is willing to use it. Testosterone is readily available in injectable form via the internet and it counteracts the chemical castration. I suggest using one of our remote islands as a colony for the sick and dangerous sex offenders, that is unless we can reinstate capital punishment for these creatures.
- Steph, Ilford
This for Loujess - The reason Reid has had to introduce this botched proposal with all it's restrictions is that the laws regarding paedophiles are so ineffective in dealing with them and that rehabilitation for such people relies on their willingness for treatment. The ones that are sentenced and serve their time (often getting a reduced tariff for good behaviour) just want to be free from jail and allowed back into our society. Many re-offend as it is in their nature to do what they do. Tougher sentences in tandem with better treatment (including medicine and other therapies such as hypnosis) and proper supervision in society would do more than Reid’s headline grabbing gimmick. The Judiciary together with Human Rights legislation has also contributed to this state of affairs and gives paedophiles rights which we perceive override our own. There doesn't seem to be a way forward, only standstill.
That is why, Loujess, sometimes you have to laugh.
- Dan, Manchester
James is right. Like other forms of rape, child abuse is about power not sex.
I will soon be a father. If in the future I find out about a paedophile living in my area, I will of course take steps to protect my child. But am I supposed to deny my neighbour the chance to do the same?
John Reid's proposal is pathetic.
- Tobin, Andover
This will just mean more work for the police. As they cannot convict you for saying "I don't know there is and I don't know there isn't anyone living nearby. But I suggest that you ask the police just in case". That way, you can tell your friends that you are worried about something without crossing the thin line of the law.
However, we need to decide how we deal with teenage sex as a lot is with full consent of the minor. That should not necessarily put the elder person on the sex offender’s list. If the act was without consent then that is also rape and should be dealt with as such.
- Graham, Reading, England
Better build more prisons then. I am sure it is every respectable person’s duty to keep their neighbours informed of any criminals in the area that could or might affect them or their families in any way.
- Raymond Jennings, GB
We should follows Americas stance on paedophiles; which is they can not live within a certain distance or schools, nurseries and places of worship. Also they are placed on a national registry which is open to the public. As a tax-paying citizen, you should have the right to know if there are paedophiles living in your neighbourhood, as they are a constant threat to the safety of ALL children. Enacting laws to protect THEIR rights is scandalous and typical of this government, get them out ASAP!
- Brnadon Thomas, London
Speaking for yourself Dave B?
- Max, London
Dan. I wish you were funny.
- Loujess, Leeds
He has no prison places left.
- John, Essex UK
Tragically this chemical castration does not work. Panorama did a very interesting programme on this over 10 years ago reviewing the results of the USA experience and interviewing these beasts. They all, without exception said they would re-offend whether they were chemically castrated or not. Even amputation of all equipment would simply mean that they would indulge in other horrific practices, truly sickening.
- James, London
Thinking about it, the need for castration, chemical or otherwise, should not come about, as these peope should be locked up forever with the key thrown away.
- Paul, London
Naive, Dave. Many of them are devious and calculating. They do it because they are evil - end of story.
- Philip, London, England
Dave B, What are you on about, surely if someone is sexually attracted to a child they are a paedophile?
- Paul Urban, London, UK
Hear hear Dave. The only one here with half a brain it seems.
- Jay, London
There are degrees of sexual offences against "children". Simlarly to Anne I know of a case in the US where a man of 21 had a relationship with a 15 year old. her parents found out and he was arrested, jailed and is on the sex offenders register. He is now married to the girl, now 22, they have a child!
- Dereck, Eltham, London
We have created a dangerous society where someone who is sexually attracted to a child cannot say "I think there's something wrong with me I need help" for fear of being labelled a paedophile and subsequently a monster, this has driven a lot of these people to hide their secrets, and to feel as if they are evil anyway so why not commit a crime. If we wish to really get rid of this disease from society it starts with us talking to paedophiles, finding out more about the condition, not simply coming up with a barbaric "final solution".
- Dave B, United Kingdom
These guys could be castrated anyway and it should have been enforced from the beginning...yes I hear what about their rights! Well what about the rights of innocent children. These guys are adults and they threw away their human rights when they forced themselves on children and I do mean the ones that take an active part.
- Sarah, London
Chemical castration - suggesting something like that takes balls.
- Dan, Manchester
Giving out addresses is just wrong, vigilantes and thugs will target households. There could be innocent victims in the house. I knew a man who started a relationship with a young woman, he was 30 and she told him she was 18, it turned out she was 15. Her parents found out and now he is on the sex offenders list... His life was ruined because of her young girls lies and now he might be targeted forever because of it.
- Anne, London
This is simply a failure by Government to handle a problem, this is yet another story spun out to look as if they're doing something, when it's clear that because of waste elsewhere they are incapable of dealing with this one.
I'd lock them up - simple as.
- Neil Evans, Notting Hill
Why should they be given the option? They don't give any to their victims. It is the most cowardly crime.
- Philip, London, England
I think voluntary chemical castration for convicted paedophiles will do little to deter these beasts. Surgical castration as a condition of release is more appropriate. I think that once someone has violated a child, they should forfeit their capability to have sex.
- Kd, London
Reid is a sick man, if he wants to go around castrating people. They have castrations in the USA along when executions. Reid's move is just one more civil liability crushed by him and his government friends.
What is interesting, is that when THEY commit crime, the softy, softy approach seen as best. As one example of them out and about committing crime, read this. My local MP (Amess) has a son serving 4 years of GBH. He is now still in jail. He is a strong law and order man, but not for his son! He has campaigned for his son's release saying the matter is private. He talks firmly about his family when talking up family values, when his son is locked away, the matter is private.
I think we all see how their minds work in government: one law for them and their friends, and another one for us!
- Trevor, Westcliff
Chemicals? Whays all that about? Nothing wrong with a rusty razor blade in these cases!
- Simon Carter, Maidstone Kent
Doesn't sound terribly environmentally friendly. What's wrong with a knife?
- Paul, London
Why bother with the chemical element? Just chop their meat and two veg off sharpish.
- Squiz, Islington
I dont think it should be offered, it should just be done !
- Brian, Wiltshire
