Motion: Reviewing Arrangements for Managing Sex Offenders

Reviewing Arrangements for Managing Sex Offenders

Lodged by Paul Martin Members' Business Motion 34 supporters

The motion

That the Parliament notes that it has been more than 11 years since the murder of eight-year-old Mark Cummings by the convicted sex offender, Stuart Leggate, in Royston in Glasgow; commends what it sees as the courage and tenacity of Mark’s mother, Margaret-Ann, who has campaigned tirelessly to change the way in which serious sex offenders are managed; recognises that a justice sub-committee, convened by the Parliament in 2006, published 33 recommendations intended to protect children in Scotland's communities, including a requirement for registered sex offenders to disclose information about previous convictions on housing applications; is concerned that this recommendation has still not been implemented by the Scottish Government; understands that there are community concerns about what are considered the disproportionately high number of sex offenders housed in deprived areas and that many people consider it essential for the risks posed by serious sex offenders in communities across Scotland to be examined, and notes calls for an urgent review of sentencing tariffs and increased public awareness of sex offenders thought to be at risk of reoffending.

Supporters (34)