Support for further child protection measures
8 Dec 04
Consultation reveals backing for new internet grooming law
Plans to strengthen the law on sexual "grooming" of children over the internet have received support in a recent consultation exercise by the Scottish Executive.
Respondents were in favour of making grooming a specific offence which would carry a maximum penalty of 10 years' imprisonment.
The proposal is part of a raft of measures designed to safeguard children from paedophiles and other sexual predators.
Support was also given for the introduction of Risk of Sexual Harm Orders to restrict the activities of individuals suspected of being a danger to children even if they have not been convicted of an offence.
However concerns were voiced about the effectiveness of a new grooming offence in practice, human rights issues and the need for extra resources.
Deputy Justice Minister Hugh Henry said: “Child sex abuse is one of the most despicable crimes in our society. It is one the police take hugely seriously and one the public want to see dealt with. That is why I am determined to drive through reforms that will add to our existing armoury of measures to protect children. And that is why I am pleased that the broad tone of the consultation responses received has been positive.
“This Executive is already taking steps to improve the protection of children through a three-year programme of reform. The further measures contained in the Protection of Children and Prevention of Sexual Offences (Scotland) Bill will supplement that work by tightening up the law in the way in which it deals with convicted or suspected child sex offenders as well as those who cause sexual harm to adults.”
The Protecting Children from Sexual Harm Consultation was published in July and more than 70 responses were received by the end of September.