Tougher controls on child abusers

Updated 10.46 Wed Aug 20 2008

Keywords: Gary Glitter, Home Office, child abuse, Jacqui Smith, paedophiles

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith has announced measures to tighten controls on the movements of paedophiles.

She said they included increasing the length of time child abusers can be banned from travelling abroad and making it easier for police to obtain orders controlliing their activities in the UK.

"The UK has a rigorous system in place for managing child sex offenders which is among the toughest in the world"

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

Ms Smith announced that the length of foreign travel orders for paedophiles will 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.

Sex offenders subject to blanket travel bans will also have their passports automatically confiscated.

Foreign travel orders may also be available where potential victims who are under 18, rather than under 16 at present, are deemed to be in danger.

Ms Smith 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 today will strengthen that even further. I want to see anyone who poses a threat to our children dealt with as firmly as possible.

"I've spoken to child protection experts and the police and they have told me that these changes will further restrict the ability of child sex offenders to harm children both here and overseas.

"I will legislate for these measures as soon as possible."