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Archived Press Releases 2005 10th October 2005

Unsupervised Paedophiles …and worse!

(10th October 2005)

Yet again our Justice System is failing our children and our community, says a spokesman for the Sensible Sentencing Trust.

Peter Jenkins maintains the Trusts website including its "Sex Offenders" section and says that even the Department of Corrections is concerned that dangerous paedophiles are released without supervision for lengthy periods as extended supervision applications are being processed too slowly.

"The Department is right to be concerned, but ultimately the problem is that such dangerous offenders are being released in the first place", said Mr Jenkins. "If a paedophile is so dangerous that they require extended supervision then surely it would be safer for society and our children if they were instead subject to preventative detention?"

"Even with the best possible supervision, there is a chance that one of these offenders may still re-offend, ruining more innocent young lives. Such was the case with Stephen Laing who was recently sentenced for his second offence of trading in child pornography – committed while under supervision!"

Mr Jenkins said the situation had been worsened by the blurring of moral boundaries in recent years. "We were astonished to find in a recent case that a man in his 40’s who had sex with a 15 year old girl is not considered to be a paedophile under our current legal definitions! If he is not a paedophile then what is he?"

"A clear line needs to be drawn for the sake of our families and our children, and we need to name those who cross that line and molest young girls – or boys – for what they are and not fudge the definitions."

"However we look at it a man in his 40’s having sex with a 15 year old is wrong, and we must be clear in saying so."

"It also has to be said that certain members of society and our community must also take a long hard look at themselves too. Those who continue to support convicted offenders, be they friends, employers or others are validating the behaviour of these offenders", said Mr Jenkins.

For further comment please contact:
Peter Jenkins: on 0274 338562
Sensible Sentencing Trust webmaster and also specialist Sex Offender / paedophile spokesman

Regards,

Garth McVicar
National Spokesperson,
Sensible Sentencing Trust.