Blunkett proposes new sex offences

Home secretary David Blunkett this week unveiled a host of
proposals aimed at dealing with sex offenders, in preparation for a
bill later this year.

Those on the sex offenders register will have to re-register with
the police each year instead of every five years. Failure to do so
could result in a five-year jail term.

A change to the child prostitution laws will create a new offence
of commercial sexual exploitation of a child, and adults who pay
for sex from a child aged under 18 will face prosecution and up to
life imprisonment. There will be three new offences to give extra
protection from sexual abuse to those with a learning difficulty or
mental disorder.

Additionally, a new offence of “grooming” will enable police to
arrest adults who befriend children with the aim of abusing
them.

– White paper at www.protectingthepublic.homeoffice.gov.uk/ptp.pdf