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19/06/2006
Reid warned on 'Megan's Law' implications
Home Secretary John Reid has been warned against introducing a version of Megan's Law to deal with child sex offenders in the UK.
Megan's Law, which was introduced in the US following the murder of seven-year-old Megan Kanka in 1994 by known paedophile Jesse Timmendequas, allows the public to get information on the whereabouts of child molesters.
The 'News of the World' has led a campaign for a similar law to be introduced in the UK, named Sarah's Law' after eight-year-old Sarah Payne who was murdered by convicted paedophile Roy Whiting in 2000.
Home Office Minister Gerry Sutcliffe is travelling to the US in order to see how the law works in the US.
The announcement of the visit comes in the wake of controversy of the sentencing of Craig Sweeney for the abduction and sexual assault of a three-year-old girl from Cardiff. He carried out the assault while he was staying in a bail hostel, after being released from prison for indecently assaulting a six-year-old girl.
The Home Secretary has also announced that paedophiles are to be moved out of probation hostels located next to schools, following a report in the 'News of the World' that 60 sex offenders had been housed at sites near schools, with government approval.
Sarah Payne's mother, Sara, welcomed the news, saying: "After six years of campaigning this is a tremendous breakthrough. I'm delighted."
However, Daniel Dodson, from the National Association of American Criminal Defence Lawyers, told BBC Radio 4's 'Today' programme that Megan's Law had led to acts of vigilantism by members of the public against sex offenders.
Liberal Democrats home affairs spokesperson Nick Clegg said: "Of course every measure should be taken to protect children from paedophiles, but this should never topple into vigilantism. John Reid is proving very adept at capturing headlines, whilst ignoring the difficult decisions that must be taken to provide the most appropriate protection for the public.
"Let's hope he does not rush towards an inappropriate solution as readily as he rushes to grab newspaper headlines."
(KMcA/SP)
Megan's Law, which was introduced in the US following the murder of seven-year-old Megan Kanka in 1994 by known paedophile Jesse Timmendequas, allows the public to get information on the whereabouts of child molesters.
The 'News of the World' has led a campaign for a similar law to be introduced in the UK, named Sarah's Law' after eight-year-old Sarah Payne who was murdered by convicted paedophile Roy Whiting in 2000.
Home Office Minister Gerry Sutcliffe is travelling to the US in order to see how the law works in the US.
The announcement of the visit comes in the wake of controversy of the sentencing of Craig Sweeney for the abduction and sexual assault of a three-year-old girl from Cardiff. He carried out the assault while he was staying in a bail hostel, after being released from prison for indecently assaulting a six-year-old girl.
The Home Secretary has also announced that paedophiles are to be moved out of probation hostels located next to schools, following a report in the 'News of the World' that 60 sex offenders had been housed at sites near schools, with government approval.
Sarah Payne's mother, Sara, welcomed the news, saying: "After six years of campaigning this is a tremendous breakthrough. I'm delighted."
However, Daniel Dodson, from the National Association of American Criminal Defence Lawyers, told BBC Radio 4's 'Today' programme that Megan's Law had led to acts of vigilantism by members of the public against sex offenders.
Liberal Democrats home affairs spokesperson Nick Clegg said: "Of course every measure should be taken to protect children from paedophiles, but this should never topple into vigilantism. John Reid is proving very adept at capturing headlines, whilst ignoring the difficult decisions that must be taken to provide the most appropriate protection for the public.
"Let's hope he does not rush towards an inappropriate solution as readily as he rushes to grab newspaper headlines."
(KMcA/SP)
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25 August 2004
Eight terror accused remanded in custody
Eight men charged with terrorism-related offences have been remanded in custody following a court hearing this morning. The eight men, who have all have been charged with conspiracy to murder and conspiracy to commit public nuisance, appeared at the Old Bailey via videolink. They will reappear in court on September 3.
Eight terror accused remanded in custody
Eight men charged with terrorism-related offences have been remanded in custody following a court hearing this morning. The eight men, who have all have been charged with conspiracy to murder and conspiracy to commit public nuisance, appeared at the Old Bailey via videolink. They will reappear in court on September 3.
18 August 2004
Eight men facing terror charges appear in court
Eight men charged with terrorism-related offences have appeared in court today. The eight men, who have all have been charged with conspiracy to murder and conspiracy to commit public nuisance, appeared at Bow Street Magistrates Court sitting at Belmarsh this morning. They were all remanded in custody to appear before the Old Bailey on August 25.
Eight men facing terror charges appear in court
Eight men charged with terrorism-related offences have appeared in court today. The eight men, who have all have been charged with conspiracy to murder and conspiracy to commit public nuisance, appeared at Bow Street Magistrates Court sitting at Belmarsh this morning. They were all remanded in custody to appear before the Old Bailey on August 25.
09 August 2006
Search continues for human remains
Police are continuing to search for human remains at the former home of a convicted paedophile in Croydon, south London. Leslie Ford-Thrussell, 72, lived at the house in Walton Green for 17 years before he was jailed in 2004 for a number of child sex offences, including rape and indecent assault and taking and making obscene images.
Search continues for human remains
Police are continuing to search for human remains at the former home of a convicted paedophile in Croydon, south London. Leslie Ford-Thrussell, 72, lived at the house in Walton Green for 17 years before he was jailed in 2004 for a number of child sex offences, including rape and indecent assault and taking and making obscene images.
14 June 2011
Tougher Checks For Sex Offenders
Proposals to introduce tougher checks on known sex offenders have been published today. Currently, sex offenders are required to notify the police of personal details such as address and national insurance number annually and whenever details change.
Tougher Checks For Sex Offenders
Proposals to introduce tougher checks on known sex offenders have been published today. Currently, sex offenders are required to notify the police of personal details such as address and national insurance number annually and whenever details change.
16 March 2011
'Operation Rescue' Safeguards 200 Children
With the leading support of Europol, police have arrested 184 suspected child sex offenders and identified over 200 victims of child abuse following one of the biggest investigations of its kind by law enforcement agencies across the world.
'Operation Rescue' Safeguards 200 Children
With the leading support of Europol, police have arrested 184 suspected child sex offenders and identified over 200 victims of child abuse following one of the biggest investigations of its kind by law enforcement agencies across the world.
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