700 sex offenders monitored in NI

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Nearly 700 paedophiles and sex offenders are being monitored acrossNorthern Ireland, a report has said.

It includes four men in the community deemed to pose a high risk, but excludes 80 others who are either still in jail or face prosecution.

The figures, in the NI Sex Offender Strategic Management Committee's annual report, said south Belfast had the biggest proportion under scrutiny.

A senior police officer said protecting the public was a top priority.

Committee chairman, assistant chief constable Drew Harris, said: "There is now a well-defined system in place,coupled with real commitment to working together, to make Northern Ireland'shomes, streets and communities safer for all our families."

The committee includes representatives from the police, probation, prisons and socialservices, along with the Housing Executive, various government departments andvoluntary agencies.

NI offenders list 43 deemed high risk270 of medium risk97 cases in south BelfastFour cases in Magherafelt

Its report, Managing the Risk, said 687 men and three women in Northern Ireland were onthe Sex Offenders Register by the end of March.

That is a rise of 70 (11%) on last year and this is largely due to new convictions.

Forty-three were classed as high risk - four in the community; 270 were said to be of medium risk - 237 in the community and457 deemed to be low risk - 452 not in jail.

South Belfast had the highest number of cases - 97 - in any of the policing districts. This has been attributed to the transient nature of an area brimming with flatsand rental accommodation.

It was followed by Londonderry (53 cases) and north Belfast (50 cases), whileboth Moyle and Magherafelt had just four cases.

I know that the public wants, and deserves, to know more about whattakes place in relation to the management of the risk posed by sex offenders Drew HarrisPSNI

Most registered offenders - 251 - were between 20 and 30 years old.

Mr Harris said: "I know that the public wants, and deserves, to know more about whattakes place in relation to the management of the risk posed by sex offenders.

"This report provides an excellent opportunity to continue that process. Weare also looking closely at how we can improve communications and informationflow in both directions to increase understanding and to help allay concerns."

The committee also reported that in the last year six people failed to comply with the requirements of the sex offenders register.

Thirty Sexual Offences PreventionOrders and nine Risk of Sexual Harm Orders were granted during2006/07.