Sussex sex offenders have changed their name by deed poll

Some 61 registered sex offenders have changed their names across Sussex since 2011, according to a Freedom of Information Act request.

Among those who have done so are a child rapist, six rapists, and 17 defendants convicted for sexual activity with a child.

But because of Data Protection rules, the police say they are not allowed to reveal the new names of 61 criminals who have changed their name.

It means that some of those who are no longer listed on the sex offenders register could be walking our streets without the community being able to check who they are.

The Argus regularly features those convicted of offences such as possessing sick child sex abuse images.

Those guilty are often not sent to prison, but even those who are may only get a short sentence.

If they change their name by deed poll, it means their new name would not feature on an internet search about their case.

Concerns have been raised that it allows those guilty of the offences to hide details of their past convictions to neighbours or new friends.

Sussex Police said it currently has 1,741 registered sex offenders being monitored by officers and the probation service in Sussex.

There are also a further 529 registered sex offenders currently in prison.

Police chiefs insist that a registered sex offender changing their name does not affect the force’s ability to manage the offender in the community.

Meanwhile the Home Office said the UK has some of the “toughest powers in the world to deal with sex offenders”.

Criminals who wish to change their name must tell the police as part of a notification requirement, often within a matter of days.

A failure to do so carries a maximum five-year prison sentence.

But former Brighton police commander and retired Detective Superintendent Kevin Moore said it is concerning.

He said: “My query is why the Government haven’t stepped in, either to toughen up the sex offenders legislation or to bring in new legislation so that those people cannot do that.

“I cannot understand how this has been allowed to go on.

“There is a tiny number of officers monitoring these individuals. I think the public believe these people are being looked at 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“That couldn’t be any further from the truth.

“They get a visit every now and again. They are not being monitored, they are being handled. They could be doing anything.”

A Freedom of Information Act request to identify the old and new identities of the sex offenders who have changed their name was rejected.

The police said: “Personal information is an “absolute exemption” that does not require the Public Interest Test.

“To disclose the information sought, the original and changed names, would identify the individuals and be a breach of the Data Protection Principles and may render this force liable under that Act.”

Sussex Police said: “Under the Sexual Offences Act 2003 registered sex offenders are required to notify the police of their name, address and other personal details and to notify of any subsequent changes, including any change of name.

“Every such offender in the community is allocated an officer who develops a detailed management plan depending on the assessed level of risk and their individual circumstances.

“They may also be managed by probation or health services if they are subject to licence or a hospital order. Failure to comply with the notification requirement is a criminal offence that carries a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment.

“A change of name by deed poll does not affect the ability of police and partners to manage an offender in the community and does not raise any risks that are posed.

“We note that the figure of 61 referred to covers a period of nearly nine years, some of whom whose registration requirements will have expired. There are currently 1741 registered sex offenders in the community, managed by Sussex Police, many of whom will have first served prison sentences.

“There are also a further 529 currently serving terms of imprisonment, all of whom will be subject to management by probation and police when released.”

PARENTS, carers and guardians can formally ask the police if a registered sex offender is a threat to their child or a child they know.

The law, known as Sarah’s law, was brought in following a campaign by the family of Sarah Payne, who was murdered in Sussex in 2000.

Roy Whiting had been been sentenced for abducting a child in 1995 and had been released from prison before the murder. He is now serving life in prison.

It led Sarah’s mother Sara to campaign to allow parents and the public to know if someone was a danger to their children.

Sex offenders, like any prisoner or member of the public, can change their name by deed poll, but they must tell the police or face prosecution.

There is the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) which allows employers to check criminal records to ensure no new employees are a danger. The checks are tougher for professions such as teaching or childcare.

The Home Office said the Use and Change of Name Guidance 2016 aims to make it more difficult for people to change their identities to support criminality.

The policy’s aim is to ensure the right to change names in the UK is not subject to abuse, including for those who want to disguise their previous criminal background in order to commit new offences.

A spokesman said: “The UK has some of the toughest powers in the world to deal with sex offenders and there are measures in place to stop individuals changing their name in order to hide a criminal past.

“The failure of a sex offender to tell police of a name change within three days is a criminal offence with a maximum prison sentence of five years, and the Home Office reserves the right not to issue a document in a new name to a registered sex offender.”