Register of sex offenders on the way
JERSEY’S first sex offenders’ register could be up and running by the end of next month.
And, unlike the UK’s register, it could include people who have committed sexual offences in the past.
It means that offenders including 55-year-old Allan Kittleson, who was sentenced last week for having sex with a girl when she was 15, and many others could be added to the register. Home Affairs Minister Ian Le Marquand said that around 200 Islanders who had committed sexual offences in the past could be named in the register when it was set up.
Article posted on 15th October, 2010 - 2.58pm
JERSEY’S first sex offenders’ register could be up and running by the end of next month.
And, unlike the UK’s register, it could include people who have committed sexual offences in the past.
It means that offenders including 55-year-old Allan Kittleson, who was sentenced last week for having sex with a girl when she was 15, and many others could be added to the register. Home Affairs Minister Ian Le Marquand said that around 200 Islanders who had committed sexual offences in the past could be named in the register when it was set up.
Article posted on 15th October, 2010 - 2.58pm
I see that there is a site on Facebook called 'Jersey sex offenders register' (or similar) with a few paedo's named on it....
ReplyDeleteI think that is Jersey, USA.
ReplyDeleteIf not, do you have a link to it as I cannot find it?
One must start with the grave concern that is,
ReplyDeleteWho will be compiling the list?
We have been made painfully aware, over the last three years (by bloggers) that many Members of the Establishment will go to astonishing lengths to cover up even the most petty of indiscretions, so how will they fare with this little number?
Indeed, the vast majority of the most serious cases in the island, have been covered up! Who can be trusted to run this? Deputy Bob Hill cannot do everything!
Politicians cannot be trusted the world over, let alone, in Jersey. Don’t believe me? Let us have a look at the U.K’s List Of Shame. Either scroll down the page, or choose your favourite party from the right hand column, then select your favourite pervert or thief to read the case file.
If a Sex Offenders Register is to materialize in Jersey, one thing is for sure, some way has to be found to take it out of the hands of our Government.
ReplyDeleteFormer Jersey senator Syvret guilty of motoring charges
Publishing the names of sex offenders or any other law breakers so that they can be identified might sound like a good idea. Various discussions have taken place and opinions offered here and elsewhere.
ReplyDeleteThe system might be beneficial.
But one reality in a small island like Jersey is that many innocent relatives of the offenders will be victimised or at least stigmatised.
Such rules as having to live minimum distances from schools or places where children assemble will also be difficult to comply with.
We should not stereotype offenders as rich or poor, or single or married, with or without famlies. Offenders won't all conveniently live in a house with boarded-up windows in a grotty part of town.
The UK Government is already back-tracking on the planned Vetting and Barring regulations and Jersey's system depends upon the implementation of the UK system to be effective.
We have very incomplete data on people from other countries.
ILM has previously explained that Jersey is unable to pick and choose bits from the UK regulations because the systems have to be harmonious in operation.
ILM also conceded some time ago that a probable result of having an offenders register in Jersey will be the removal of many offenders to the UK or some other place.
In the USA many offenders have simply gone into hiding, live in remote squats or find sanctuary in jail.
This might appear to solve the problem but it only moves it somewhre else (Jersey might receive covert offenders from elsewhere) and of course, we assume that those accused and convicted are actually guilty of their alleged offences - unlike Jersey's former Chief of Police.
The task of creating a register and keeping it up to date is also likely to be labour intensive when all costs are being reduced and even police officers not recruited.
The accuracy of information is especially important.
The understandable and emotional responses of many people are difficult to manage within acceptable legal frameworks.
It will be interesting to see what actually happens in Jersey when the register of sex offenders is assembled and who has access to it.
As recent cases have revealed, sexual exploitation of children especially will continue and will adapt to the opportunities afforded by computers and the relentless sexualization of youth within society.
Evidently, Police checks on potential staff or baby-sitters, carers or step-parents and so on
might deter some potential offenders and protect some vulnerable people but will have all sorts of destructive and unforseen effects too.
I don't have a better solution to offer and there really is no quick-fix answer. I hope that the results of registration are beneficial. At least some people will be re-assured that something positive has been done but we should not expect a miracle.
In this discussion, since we are asking to name specific people in our society so that they might be identified, labelled and condemned I append my name, Mike Dun.
Thank you for your measured imput Mike.
ReplyDeleteHowever, the problem with our Government not prosecuting offenders for fear of them naming names, still remains a huge obstacle.
When those who are looked upon to protect society, and the vulnerable, side with the criminals and the perverted, then there is much work left to do.
And I believe this work should be done the right way, but if it cannot be, it should then be pursued by any means possible.