This is a copy of an Open letter sent to the Home Office. 17/12/2020

To: Home Office public enquiries

From: David Lean

Subject: Bail Conditions should be imposed on child sex offenders

Good Afternoon,

I hope you are well as you read this massive safeguarding concern.

Very recently in October this year, I was made aware of an Individual who was first arrested, then investigated then even after charges were laid being allowed to watch Junior football matches for a period of 20 months without any restrictions in place to stop this?

His crime was sexual communications to what he believed to be a 12-year-old boy which was actually part of a police sting operation but I believe my concerns relate to all offences of any sexual crime to a child.

I was massively concerned as a Survivor of Sexual abuse within football myself at aged 12 and wrote immediately to the LFA, FA, the local club involved and also my MP and the LADO, along with the NSPCC.

I could not believe this was possible but I have now been reliably Informed now that police up and down the Country are now releasing suspects under Investigation which has happened during recent years, instead of imposing bail conditions whilst under Investigation.

I fully understand bail conditions are looked at through various Conditions

  

Nature of the Crime

Character of the Defendant

Past Record

Associations/ties with the Community

Previous record in relation to previous bail conditions

Strength of evidence against the defendant

Many child sex offenders have no previous offences and are often of good character within their community, but the crimes are extremely serious and life changing for victims.

However, I am not saying offenders of any sex crimes against children should be remanded in custody, although I would argue many should be. What I am saying is that while under Investigation, which can take up to 2 years in some cases, from arrest to Court, I strongly believe that all these type of offenders should have restrictions put in place to stop them access Junior facilities and anywhere where children frequent on a regular basis.

Another part of the bail condition thought process should be the safety and feelings of the children and parents and also the safety of the Individual if adults were to find out who the Individual Is and then be made aware of them being around children. A huge safeguarding concern.

Please would you look at my serious safeguarding concern. The grooming process can often also start by the Individual being able to put a face to a name and even by finding the area they live or club they play for as well as by speaking to parents and again this could not occur if they were not allowed around these facilities and activities.

Please consider this concern for bail conditions to be imposed on all offenders of any sex crime towards a child.

Kind Regards

David Lean   Preston, Lancashire.

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