Tayside sex offenders number 298

Almost 300 registered sex offenders were living in Tayside at the end of March. Figures obtained by Angus Council show there are a total of 298 sex offenders, which is an increase of 23 since March, 2008.

Almost all are male and around two thirds were convicted of an offence against a child under 16 years old.

Six offenders were reported as either wanted or missing during the period.

The figures are contained in a report which will be presented to the council’s social work and health committee meeting on Thursday.

The report details the multi-agency arrangements in Tayside for public protection against convicted sex offenders, which is known as MAPPA. It also lists key findings in relation to the area contained in a recent national review report.

The report, which has been signed off by Robert Peat, the director of social work and health, says: “There are sexual offenders within every community and, although re-conviction rates are low, it is recognised that the public are concerned about the risks presented.

“Managing risks within the community is a complex task which cuts across the organisational boundaries of many agencies.

“The responsible authorities are continuing to strengthen the arrangements and improve public information and it is hoped the Tayside annual report will improve awareness as to how known sex offenders and restricted patients are managed within our communities.”

The report reveals that 221 registered sex offenders present a low or medium risk of harm, and the majority are managed by police. A total of 77 are managed jointly with nine offenders requiring senior management involvement as they present a “very high risk of serious harm”.

Forfar and district councillor Glennis Middleton said: “I think the number of registered sex offenders in Tayside is probably on a par with other areas of the country.

“I think with the arrangements in place we are very well placed to continue to monitor the situation.

“It’s an unfortunate fact of life that sex offenders exist within society. We must deal with these as effectively and efficiently as possible and that’s what MAPPA does.

“Hopefully the public is reassured that everything possible is being done to ensure that these offenders that require to be monitored are being monitored effectively.”

The committee will also discuss future developments for 2009-10, which include a review of the NHS multi-agency public protection arrangements and developing input received by child-protection services in Angus.