4 sex convictsreoffended

One of the offenders committed a similar offence within one month and 14 days of their release.

The others committed fresh crimes within four months and 17 days, five months and 21 days and nine months and 20 days. Another offender reoffended after two years, 11 months and three days whilst the other two cases were charges relating to offences committed prior to the original sentence.

Justice Minister David Ford revealed the level of recidivism amongst local sex offenders in response to an Assembly Question.

The Sentinel recently report how 26 convicted sex offenders currently serving sentences in Northern Ireland jails are in ‘complete denial,’

The offenders - jailed for offences including rape and sexual assault - have refused to take part in a Sexual Offender Treatment Programme.

Mr Ford stated: “There are 26 people currently serving a custodial sentence for rape or sexual offence who are classed as being in ‘complete denial’.

“They have not completed a Sexual Offender Treatment Programme. The Northern Ireland Prison Service is required to provide the Parole Commissioners with all current and relevant information on each case they consider.

“However, the manner in which this information is used to inform decisions about release dates and/or licence conditions is a matter entirely for the Parole Commissioners.”