Spot The Cognitive Distortions

7:00pm Sunday 16th September 2012

Sex attack victim says court ruling has taken his rights away

"THE victim of a paedophile [sic] Anglican priest believes his human rights have been taken away by a court ruling.

He is angry the Rev GC at some stage could appeal to have his name taken off the Sex Offenders’ Register.

It follows a Supreme Court decision that placing offenders on the list for life breaches their rights.

The victim, now in his 40s, who cannot be named, said: “His human rights? What about mine?

“He took my human rights away when he abused me, so it gave me fulfilment when he was jailed and put on the register.

“Now it feels like he’s getting his human rights back and mine are being taken away again.

“The register is to protect the person who’s been abused and other potential victims.

“There’s a saying, ‘Once a paedophile, always a paedophile’, so he should remain on the register for life.”"

http://www.thisisthewestcountry.co.uk/news/somerset_news/9930822.Sex_attack_victim_says_court_ruling_has_taken_his_rights_away/?ref=rss

Our Risk Is The Lowest It Can Be, For Anyone, What Is Yours?

Friday, 31 August 2012

Ruling allows sex register appeals

"A Supreme Court ruling means sex offenders [sic] can appeal against having to register with police for life

Sex offenders [sic] can appeal against having to register with police for life from Saturday, despite concerns raised by a children's charity that they must "always be considered a risk".

Thousands of sex offenders [sic] will be able to apply to have their names removed after the Supreme Court ruled it was a breach of offenders' human rights to be put on the register for life with no review.

The Government has already expressed concern about the plans, with Home Secretary Theresa May saying "the minimum possible changes to the law" would be made.

Currently [?] prisoners [sic] have to wait 15 years after being released from jail [?] to be able to apply to be removed from the register. Saturday marks 15 years since sex offenders were first required to register with police.

Chief executive of the NSPCC Andrew Flanagan said: "This is a concerning day for our justice system. Sadly, we are told this legal ruling cannot be overturned but the NSPCC's view remains that paedophiles [sic] who have been put on the sex offender register [sic] for life must remain there as we can never be sure their behaviour will change" [same for you and anyone, Mr Flanagan]

"A Home Office spokesman said: "We are doing everything we can to protect the public from predatory sex offenders. That is why we have taken action to strengthen the law and close loopholes. The review process for offenders is robust and puts public protection first. It also prevents sex offenders [sic] from wasting taxpayers' money by repeatedly challenging our laws. Sex offenders [sic] who continue to pose a risk [no one is zero risk, no one] will remain on the register for life.""

http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/local-national/uk/ruling-allows-sex-register-appeals-16204950.html#ixzz258zOL5OV

Paedophiles [sic] given right to challenge being placed on the sex offenders register

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2196630/Paedophiles-given-right-challenge-placed-sex-offenders-register.html#ixzz25Dd5az00

Sex offender registration appeals introduced

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-19437723

Sex offenders granted appeals against registering with police

http://www.metro.co.uk/news/910393-sex-offenders-granted-appeals-against-registering-with-police#ixzz25DmqzLBy

Sex Offenders Register Appeals: Convicted Can Now Fight For Removal From List

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2012/09/01/sex-offenders-register-appeals_n_1848558.html?

Sex offenders gain right to appeal against registration

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2012/sep/01/sex-offenders-register-appeal-right

New ruling allows sex offenders to appeal against register

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/new-ruling-allows-sex-offenders-to-appeal-against-register-8100284.html

RULING ALLOWS SEX REGISTER APPEALS

http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/343390

2nd September 2012 

RULING PERVERTS OUR KIDS' RIGHTS

"Predatory sex offenders will be able to launch lengthy, legal aid-funded ­appeals as soon as they are released. Under the previous rule they had to wait 15 years." [classic, absolutely no idea]

http://www.dailystar.co.uk/starsays/view/270199/Ruling-perverts-our-kids-rights/ 

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Now, in all its bitter, scaremongering, money-raising, and incorrect entirety ...

Posted: 01/09/2012 00:00

Wrong Right to Appeal for Sex Offenders

"Today's (1 September 2012) 15th anniversary of the introduction of the sex offender register [sic] brings a surprise present for the very people it was designed to control - and a nasty surprise for anyone with the protection of children at heart.

From today, paedophiles [sic] and other criminals who have committed serious [sic] sex crimes will be able to appeal against having their names on the register for life.

The Supreme Court has ruled that if a sex offender [sic], including those whose victims were children, has not re-offended for 15 years they can appeal to be taken off the register At a stroke this could make them almost invisible to the authorities whose job is to track them and ensure they do not commit further offences, such as sexual assaults on children or hoarding vast libraries of sickening child abuse images. [indecent images, Jon] In effect their dangerous [sic] pasts would disappear from view, potentially leaving them free to search for more young victims, both at home and abroad.

But what guarantee is there that they will not abuse again? It is dangerous to rely on re-conviction rates to assess whether a sex offender is still [sic] a risk to children. How can we be sure they have not re-offended - maybe they just have not been caught again? [maybe the sex fairies did it Jon?] And who is to say they will not harm a child again once they are free from the restrictions imposed by the register? In fact, the great majority of child sexual abuse never comes to light [how do you know?] and is never prosecuted as the young victims are often too scared to speak out [how do you know?].

Though we understand this legal ruling cannot be overturned, the NSPCC's view is that we can never be sure a sex offender will not re-offend [same for anyone, even you, Jon]. There is no known 'cure' for adults who sexually abuse children [for there is no 'disease']. We can only try to control and contain their behaviour which is why they should stay on the sex offender register [sic] for life [how does that help do that?].

Sex offenders [sic] are sophisticated predators [evidence, compared to other offenders?]. They are manipulative and will often go to great lengths to get close to their potential victims {ditto]. Some will have abused children many times before they are caught [ditto]. This is why it is so important that they are closely tracked after their release as there will always be a risk they will abuse again [same for anyone, even you, Jon].

Not all child sex offenders receive therapy [for there is nothing to 'cure'] to address their abusive [weasel word] behaviour and even with those that do, there is no guarantee it will stop them abusing children again, sometimes many years later [same for anyone, even you, Jon].

The best way to protect children from known sex offenders [sic] is a combination of treatment [sic] for offenders in prison. And for the police, and in some cases the probation service, to monitor their movements when they are released into the community [how does that stop action?]. However, we must remember, not all sex offenders have been, or are ever, convicted [so, they are not 'offenders'; courts decide guilt, not guesswork by vested interests ... unless you are one of them ... are you Jon?] so it is still vital [sic] that the public also take responsibility for protecting children in their community by reporting any concerns to the authorities or the NSPCC [kerrrrchhingg]

The UK is only one of four European countries to have a sex offender register and it has made a great contribution to child protection in this country. [how, evidence?] Nobody is claiming that the register is a silver bullet [it is almost a bullet, for some, though], but it is still an important weapon [how?] in the fight against child abuse [weasel words]. Not only does it help keep paedophiles [sic] away from children [how?], it has also increased public understanding and awareness about the way sex offenders operate and the risks they pose.[now we know you must be trolling us, Jon]

So even if sex offenders [sic] now have the legal right to appeal against being on the register [sic], it is hard to envisage in what cases a successful appeal could be justified. Without undeniable evidence they are no longer a danger to children [oh, perhaps because they never were a danger to children?], surely taking them off the register after such serious offences [sic] is too great a risk for society to take. [do you understand risk analysis, Jon?] We must never forget how physical and emotional harm from sexual abuse can damage children's lives. [can? - how 'can' it, Jon? provide your expedience of causality and try to avoid reductio ad absurdum] The NSPCC believes [so what?] that justice and protection for children should come above the civil liberties of a convicted sex offender [clearly so] who clearly had no regard for a child's right to be protected from abuse [again, straw man and reductio ad absurdum]".

Jon Brown
NSPCC's Head of Strategy & Development for Sexual Abuse

http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/jon-brown/wrong-right-to-appeal-for-sex-offenders_b_1846580.html

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Comment: Shameful, PR, propaganda.

The OSC

*****

Victim on abuser's removal from sex register

 "Sally Marston told BBC Radio 5 live's Victoria Derbyshire that her attacker "continues to destroy her life" [sic] and she felt "protected" knowing he was on the Sex Offenders Register." [then, at best, you have been lied to, Sally]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-22525575

Victoria Derbyshire -  14/5/13

"A woman who was molested when she was a child says she wants a change in the law after her abuser went to court to have his name removed from the sex offenders register. Sally Marston learned her attacker had succeeded in having his name taken off the register when she read about it in a newspaper."

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01sf1fy

Man who abused me will be threat to kids till day he dies [sic] ...so why is he now off the sex register?

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/woman/4926573/paedo-victim-on-law-change-letting-offenders-off-sex-register-early.html

Should sex offenders be named and shamed for life? 

http://www.itv.com/thismorning/life/sex-offenders-debate

*****

July 12, 2011 

Will the Sex Offenders’ Register “Review Mechanism” breach human rights law?

"Updated | In 2010, the Supreme Court ruled that a mechanism should be put in place to review whether convicted sex offenders should remain liable after their release from prison to notify the police of where they live or plans to travel abroad. In June 2011, the government published draft legislation to “ensure that strict rules are put in place for considering whether individuals should ever be removed from the register.” However, it is possible that the “strict rules” leave the government vulnerable to further legal challenges."

http://ukhumanrightsblog.com/2011/07/12/will-the-sex-offenders%E2%80%99-register-review-mechanism-breach-human-rights-law/

April 21, 2010 

Sex offenders’ lifelong living and travel restrictions were breach of human rights

http://ukhumanrightsblog.com/2010/04/21/sex-offenders-lifelong-living-and-travel-restrictions-were-breach-of-human-rights/

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Sexual Offences Act 2003 (Remedial) Order 2012 - The Victory

http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/about-us/legislation/sexual-offences-remedial-order/

The Sexual Offences Act 2003 (Remedial) Order 2012 - The Order

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukdsi/2012/9780111521403 

Statement on sex offenders' register

http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/about-us/parliamentary-business/oral-statements/sex-offender-statement/?view=Standard&pubID=860042

Tightening the law on sex offenders - The Slapped Wrist

http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/media-centre/press-releases/tightening-the-law

Human Rights Joint Committee - First Report
Draft Sexual Offences Act 2003 (Remedial) Order 2012: second Report

http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/jt201213/jtselect/jtrights/8/802.htm

JOINT COMMITTEE ON HUMAN RIGHTS – REPORT ON THE SEXUAL OFFENCES ACT 2003 (REMEDIAL) ORDER 2012

http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/about-us/legislation/sexual-offences-remedial-order/response-jchr-draft-sex-offences?view=Binary  

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: CHANGES TO THE NOTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS FOR REGISTERED SEX OFFENDERS

Top link (as of 19/9/12) - see Quickview

http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/police/operational-policing/sexual-offences-2003/faq?view=Binary

Vital Solutions, To A Non-Existent Set Of Problems

Home Office - 14 Aug 2012 12:05

Registered sex [sic] offenders face tougher [sic] checks

"All registered sex [sic] offenders will face much tougher [sic] checks as from yesterday (13 August). The new measures will tighten areas of the current law that could be open to exploitation [sic] by offenders who seek to cause harm [sic]."

James Brokenshire, Minister for Crime and Security, said: 'Since the introduction of the Sex Offenders Act 1997, notification requirements have proved [How? Where?] to be a significant [How?] tool in managing the risks posed by convicted sex [sic] offenders.

'These tough [sic] new powers are vital [sic]. They will extend and strengthen the current checks and further enhance our ability to manage potentially dangerous [potentially safe?] individuals living in local communities and keep us all [sic] safe [sic].

'But it is also important that the police and probation services can use them practically. That is why we are publishing this guidance to provide the clarity needed to help all agencies understand the legislation and ensure it is used as effectively as possible to protect the public [sic].'

The new measures received widespread support from voluntary sector organisations, the judiciary, the Association of Chief Police Officers as well as a number of public protection units within police forces." [what a surprise - not]

http://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/0/D580B7081166AC9C80257A5A003D7FB6

http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/media-centre/news/tougher-checks-for-sex-offenders

Sexual Offences Act 2003 (Notification Requirements) (England and Wales) Regulations 2012

http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/about-us/legislation/sexual-offences-notifications/

Guidance on Part 2 of the Sexual Offences Act 2003

http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/police/operational-policing/sexual-offences-act-2003?view=Binary  [pdf - RC to save as]

Registration and management of sex offenders under the Sexual Offences Act 2003 - Commons Library Standard Note 

http://www.parliament.uk/briefing-papers/SN05267

*****

Comment:

Now, come on, Mr Brokenshire, you and we know, that this was, yet another, populist, quid pro quo, for getting your wrists slapped on the indefinite registration issue.

This is from the man, who "... led the closure of the UK's Forensic Science Service, with the loss of over 2000 jobs, which included skilled forensic/research scientists, many whom have since left the profession" - so much for the safety of the public.

It is all crystal clear, whatever spin you (and your cronies) put on it.

We will keep reminding you (and others), at every stage; until you fade into the ignoble history book, which beckons to all populist politicians.

*****

The Persecution And Prejudice Mission Creep Continues

Sexual Offences Act 2003 (Notification Requirements) (England and Wales) Regulations 2012

"The regulations were approved by the House of Commons on 19 June and by the House of Lords on 5 July and will come into force on 13 August 2012."

http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/about-us/legislation/sexual-offences-notifications/

The Sexual Offences Act 2003 (Notification Requirements) (England and Wales) Regulations 2012

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukdsi/2012/9780111521410/introduction

EXPLANATORY NOTE (This note is not part of these Regulations)

"These Regulations amend the Sexual Offences Act 2003 (Travel Notification Requirements) Regulations 2004 (SI 2004/1220) (“the 2004 Regulations”) and introduce new notification requirements under the Sexual Offences Act 2003 (“the 2003 Act”).

Part 2 of the 2003 Act imposes notification requirements on offenders convicted of certain sex offences. These offenders are called “relevant offenders”. The 2003 Act requires relevant offenders to notify certain personal information to the police, both at the outset and periodically thereafter (and to notify certain changes of circumstances).

These Regulations amend the 2004 Regulations and impose new notification requirements on relevant offenders.

Regulations 3 to 8 make provision about the application of, or amend, the 2004 Regulations. Regulation 3 contains transitional provision for the 14 day period immediately following the coming into force of these Regulations. Regulation 5 provides that relevant offenders who are required to notify their personal details to the police under Part 2 of the 2003 Act (including those subject to a foreign travel order) must notify the police of any intended travel outside the United Kingdom (regardless of the length of the trip). Previously, the 2004 Regulations only required relevant offenders to notify the police of intended travel outside the United Kingdom for three or more days. Regulation 5 also provides that relevant offenders are required to notify their intended travel not less than seven days before departure, or exceptionally not less than 12 hours before departure. Previously, the 2004 Regulations only permitted relevant offenders to exceptionally notify the intended travel not less than 24 hours before departure. Regulation 6 provides that relevant offenders must notify additional information about their intended travel. Regulations 7 and 8 make consequential amendments to the 2004 Regulations, including provision for relevant offenders to exceptionally notify a change to information previously notified by them less than 12 hours before departure.

Regulation 9 requires relevant offenders who have no sole or main residence to notify every seven days the address or location of a place in the United Kingdom where they can regularly be found. Previously, Part 2 of the 2003 Act required such a relevant offender to give notification once every year.

Regulations 10 and 11 require relevant offenders to notify the police when the relevant offender resides, or stays for at least 12 hours, at a relevant household. A relevant household is a household or other place at which a child (defined as a person aged under 18 years) resides or stays (whether with its parent, guardian or carer, with another child or alone) and to which the public do not have access. The information must include the date on which the relevant offender begins to reside or stay at the relevant household, its address and the period for which the relevant offender intends to reside or stay at that place.

Regulations 12 and 13 impose requirements on relevant offenders to notify information about their bank accounts, and debit and credit cards. It applies to accounts and cards held by relevant offenders in their own names or in the name of an unincorporated business run by them, and whether held singly or jointly with another person.

Regulation 12(1) requires relevant offenders to notify the police about whether they hold an account with a banking institution (defined as a bank, building society or any other institution providing banking services), a debit card in relation to such an account, a credit card account or a credit card. If relevant offenders hold an account or card, they are required to notify the information specified in regulation 12(2) to (7).

Regulation 13 requires relevant offenders to notify a change in any of the circumstances prescribed by that regulation. These circumstances arise where an account is opened or closed, a debit or credit card is obtained, no longer held or has expired and information previously notified by the relevant offenders has altered or become inaccurate or incomplete.

Regulations 14 and 15 require relevant offenders, when giving initial notification under sections 83 to 85 of the 2003 Act, to give certain information in accordance with whether or not they hold a passport, other identity document (which has the meaning given in the Identity Documents Act 2010) or other document. If the relevant offender holds a passport, the information must comprise the passport number and relevant offender’s full name as it appears in the passport. If the relevant offender does not hold a passport but holds another identity document, the information must comprise the description of the identity document, its issue number (if any) and the relevant offender’s full name as it appears in the identity document. If the relevant offender does not hold a passport or other identity document, but holds another document containing information which can verify the relevant offender’s identification, the information must comprise the description of the document, its issue number (if any) and the relevant offender’s full name as it appears in the document.

A full regulatory impact assessment on the effect of this instrument is annexed to the Explanatory Memorandum which is available alongside this instrument on www.legislation.gov.uk."

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukdsi/2012/9780111521410/note?view=plain

The Screws Of Persecution and Prejudice Turn Further

"Eighth Delegated Legislation Committee

Tuesday 19 June 2012

[Mrs Linda Riordan in the Chair]

Draft Sexual Offences Act 2003 (Notification Requirements) (England and Wales) Regulations 2012

4.30 pm

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Lynne Featherstone): I beg to move,

That the Committee has considered the draft Sexual Offences Act 2003 (Notification Requirements) (England and Wales) Regulations 2012.

The Chair:

With this it will be convenient to discuss the draft Sexual Offences Act 2003 (Remedial) Order 2012."

http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/hansard/commons/this-weeks-public-bill-general-committee-debates/read/?date=2012-06-19&itemId=58

The Sexual Offences Act 2003 (Remedial) Order 2012

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukdsi/2012/9780111521403/introduction


*****

"Seventh Delegated Legislation Committee

Thursday 21 June 2012

[Mr James Gray in the Chair]

Draft Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2012

8.55 am

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice (Mr Crispin Blunt):

I beg to move,

That the Committee has considered the draft Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2012."

http://www.parliament.uk/business/publications/hansard/commons/this-weeks-public-bill-general-committee-debates/read/?date=2012-06-21&itemId=68

The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2012

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukdsi/2012/9780111524237/contents

Citation: HL Deb, 5 July 2012, c875

Motion to Approve: Sexual Offences Act 2003 (Remedial) Order 2012: 4:43 pm

http://www.publications.parliament.uk/pa/ld201213/ldhansrd/text/120705-0002.htm#12070571000090

http://www.theyworkforyou.com/lords/?id=2012-07-05a.875.2

Baroness looks for further powers against sex offenders

http://www.yourthurrock.com/2012/07/10/baroness-looks-for-further-powers-against-sex-offenders/

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Comment:

Much more to follow.

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