Sex offenders 'serving in forces'

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Some 32 registered sex offenders are serving in the armed forces, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed.

The admission came after Pte Callum Sandeman, who will be discharged, was jailed for offences against children.

But an MoD spokesman said personnel on the Sex Offenders Register who do not get custodial sentences may keep their posts in "exceptional circumstances".

But the spokesman insisted this would only be considered after a panel had assessed the risk to others.

'Could be deployed'

Pte Sandeman, 22, who served with the Black Watch at Fort George, was jailed at Inverness Sheriff Court for 18 months after admitting using lewd, indecent and libidinous behaviour towards two children.

The MoD confirmed that he will be discharged from the Army.

How could they expect officers to provide support 24/7 when soldiers are serving abroad? Mary ScanlonHighlands and Islands MSP

But a spokesman acknowledged that the soldier could have held onto his job if he had avoided jail.

"In the event that a soldier is placed on the Sex Offenders Register but not given a custodial sentence, they may be retained in the Army in exceptional circumstances," he said.

"As Pte Sandeman was given a custodial sentence this clearly does not apply in this case."

The spokesman said a registered sex offender who was retained would be "treated like any other serviceman".

He added: "They could be deployed like other soldiers could be deployed."

But Mary Scanlon, Conservative Member of the Scottish Parliament for the Highlands and Islands, said she had concerns about the ability of the Army to monitor sex offenders on the front line.

"The Black Watch are now in Afghanistan," she told the Sunday Herald newspaper.

"Although it may be possible to provide that support here in Inverness, how could they expect officers to provide support 24/7 when soldiers are serving abroad?"