Dozens of rapists taken off sex offender list across West Midlands

Between 2017 and 2018 more than 65 convicted sex offenders, including rapists and those who have had sex with underage children, have been taken off the register.

Most have come off the list because the time span for the sex register order has expired.

But one former Wolverhampton parliamentary candidate has questioned why offenders should ever be allowed to be removed from the register.

Last year 26 sex offenders were removed from the register.

This included six rapists, 15 who had committed indecent assault, three who possessed indecent images, one who had been convicted of gross indecency and one who had been involved in sexual activity with a child.

The figures have fallen from 2017, when 41 offenders were removed from the register.

That year saw 23 rapists, 17 who had committed indecent assault and one who had been involved in sexual activity with a child removed.

Some offenders are placed on the sex offenders register for life but can apply to be removed, while others are only placed on the register for a limited period of time.

Sarah Quarmby, a former Liberal Democrat parliamentary candidate for Wolverhampton South West, said: “Surely if you are put on the sex offender register for life, your offences are so serious you should remain on there for life.”

The figures were uncovered through a freedom of information request by the Liberal Democrats.

Those listed on the sex offenders register have to register with their local police every year.

Officers can also apply for sex offender orders to bar offenders from certain activities or areas.

Head teachers, doctors, youth leaders, sports club managers and other people including landlords are all notified of a local sex offender in confidence.

There are more than 4,000 people living in the West Midlands who are on the register.

A police spokesman said: “Registered sex offenders are required to notify personal details with the police – but the length of time an offender will be subject to registration requirements depends on the sentence they are given.

"The duration of notification requirements is set out in the Sexual Offences Act 2003; the courts and police have no direction over this.

“Offenders subject to indefinite notification requirements can apply under the Sexual Offences Act 2003 after 15 years (adults) or after eight years (juvenile), to have their indefinite notification requirements removed. Initially the offender makes an application to the police.

"If the police refuse then the offender can make an application to a magistrates court.”