19 sex offenders live in county

THERE are 19 sex offenders living in Caithness, according to the latest figures from Northern Constabulary.

A recent Freedom of Information request revealed there are 10 people in Thurso on the sex offenders’ register, seven in Wick, one in Dunbeath and one in Lybster. Previously, police have only released details of the offenders’ locations in larger geographic areas. Caithness, Sutherland and Ross MSP Rob Gibson said the figures should not come as a shock.

"The fact that there are people in our midst who are being charged with these offences should not surprise anyone," he said.

"There always have been, it’s just in the past the courts never heard these kind of cases. The fact that they have a higher profile now is not to say there are more offenders, much of this was hidden in the past and people suffered in silence."

People can be placed on the sex offenders’ register for a number of crimes – including rape, sexual assault, under-age sex, child sexual abuse and indecent exposure.

Mr Gibson continued: "In order to be able to handle these things in a democratic country we have to use the courts to decide what’s best for dealing with people who are found guilty of these charges.

"We should take campaigns to out paedophiles and other sex offenders with a pinch of salt.

"Rehabilitation in the community is one of the ways where we can reduce the crime – by stigmatising people we only isolate them and create more problems for the rest of the community."

Within three days of conviction an offender on the register must notify the police of their full name, address, date of birth, passport, bank details, vehicle details and national insurance number.

Offenders also have to notify the police if they change their address or intend to travel.

Mr Gibson said people should be aware offenders exist but remember many often have a family and that is where they can often get the most help.

"We have to be aware and children have to be aware," he said. "But I always point out that a sex offender may be someone’s husband, father, son, nephew or daughter.

"Therefore I think we should be aware that wider families have to cope with these things too and probably are the best social workers of the lot."