Parents Allowed Police Check for Paedophiles after Sarah's Law

Parents are now able to ask police if anyone with access to their child is a convicted paedophile.

Details about child sex convictions will be revealed under a Home Office pilot scheme if police think a child may be in danger.

The 12-month trial is only being held in certain areas of the country and is in response to calls for a "Sarah's Law", which allows information to be published about where paedophiles live.

The campaign follows the brutal murder of Sarah Payne by convicted sex offender Roy Whiting in 2000.

In America, "Megan's Law", named after the child victim of a repeat sex offender, allows the publication of names, addresses and pictures of paedophiles in some states.

The pilot scheme is being held in Cambridgeshire, Hampshire, Stockton in Cleveland and Warwickshire and could be extended across the country if successful.

Fears have been raised that such a law could lead to vigilante attacks and drive paedophiles underground. Under the new scheme any parent sharing the information given to them could face civil or criminal penalties.

Home Secretary Jacqui Smith said the pilots were a "huge step forward".

"There are few crimes more damaging, more emotive and more sensitive than sexual offences against children. I want to see every child living their lives free from fear," she said.

"Giving parents the ability to find out if someone close to their child poses a risk will empower them."

Children's Minister Kevin Brennan said: "We are determined to keep children and young people safe and these new pilots will add an additional layer of local protection to help make our communities safe places to live and grow up in."

Sara Payne, Sarah's mother, welcomed the moves but said there was "far more still more to be done."

She said: "This is a giant step towards truth and honesty when dealing with sex offenders and all we need now is for local communities up and down the UK to help make this work.

"It has been a long journey to get to this point and I finally feel the wind of change, but make no mistake, there is far more still to be done."

When approached, the police will conduct two tests. The first, within 24 hours, will examine the person's criminal history to see if police need to take immediate action.

A full risk assessment will follow, involving more detailed checks and should be completed within ten days. The searches will look for sex offences, convictions for child neglect and even domestic abuse.

Police say it could help women with new partners whose past they do not know check their background. Grandparents and other relatives can also alert police but details will only be given out to parents and guardians.

ITN