Access to Sex Offender Information - Pilot Scheme

The government has recently announced changes to legislation relating to access of information about child sex offenders by members of the public. This is detailed in Criminal Justice and Immigration Act 2008. The new act places a legal duty on police, prison and probation services to consider, in every case, whether a child sex offender's convictions should be disclosed to any members of the public who would need to know.

Definitions of a child for the purposes of the act are anyone under 18 years old.

Definition of a child sex offender for the purposes of this act means any person who:-

Has been convicted of such an offence.

Has been found not guilty of such an offence by reason of insanity.

Has been found to be under a disability and to have done the act charged against the person in respect of such an offence.

Has been cautioned in respect of such an offence.

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