We Cannot Gamble with our Children’s Safety [4th June 2007]

[4th June 2007]

It was perfectly proper for Jim Gamble, head of the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (CEOP), to raise the issue of how society deals with paedophiles. But by his clumsy use of words, he has created more heat than light about this serious problem.

Mr Gamble sent out entirely the wrong signal. He has given the impression that some predatory paedophiles should be given a police caution and offered treatment, instead of going to prison.

As a Barrister and Judge, I have dealt with paedophiles over a number of years. In my experience most are either in denial of their wrongdoing or seek to justify their behaviour towards children.

So, the idea that predatory paedophiles will voluntarily offer themselves up for treatment is naive.

Mr Gamble fails to acknowledge that there are not the sufficiently effective support systems in place to treat such offenders in the community.

I agree that paedophiles should be offered treatment, but whilst they are behind bars and away from children. Mr. Gamble is indeed gambling with the safety of children, by his misguided remarks. It is difficult to see how he can retain our confidence in protecting children from this evil.