Paedophiles face tighter controls

11:32am Wednesday 20th August 2008

Measures to tighten controls on the movements of paedophiles have been announced by Home Secretary Jacqui Smith.

They included increasing the length of time child sex offenders can be banned from travelling abroad and making it easier for police to obtain orders curbing activities in the UK.

Ministers are also considering increasing the age limit to 18 for youngsters deemed at risk when travel restrictions are being sought.

Legislation will be brought forward shortly to introduce new powers where necessary.

Children's campaigners welcomed the measures, announced as Gary Glitter was released from a Vietnamese jail after serving two years and nine months for abusing two girls.

The latest moves follow talks with police and the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Agency (CEOP).

Ms Smith announced that the length of foreign travel orders for paedophiles would be increased from six months to up to five years. The requirement on police seeking sexual offences prevention orders to provide evidence from the last six months will also be removed.

Those subject to blanket travel bans will have their passports automatically confiscated. There will also be a consultation on further restrictions on the validity of paedophiles' passports and their issuance.

Foreign travel orders may also be available where children under 18, rather than under 16 at present, are in danger.

The Home Secretary said: "The UK has a rigorous system in place for managing child sex offenders which is among the toughest in the world. The changes I'm announcing ... will strengthen that even further. I want to see anyone who poses a threat to our children dealt with as firmly as possible."

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