THERE are currently 35 registered sex offenders living in Fermanagh.
There are a total 1,505 registered sex offenders across the North at present, with the highest number living, 496, living in Co Down. There are 312 living in Co Antrim, 150 in Co Derry, 111 in Co Armagh and 66 in Co Tyrone.
According to the figures obtained in a Freedom of Information request by Belfast Live, at 35 Fermanagh has the fewest resident registered sex offenders of the six counties.
People are placed on the sex offenders register after being convicted in court of a sexual offence.
The seriousness of that offence will determine how long they remain on the list for.
Once convicted, offenders must sign on the register within three days, providing their personal information such as address, bank account details, passport information and national security number.
They must re-register this information every year, and throughout the year police can call to their home to ensure they are still living there.
Registered sex offenders must also inform police immediately of any change of address, and inform them if they intend to travel.
Known as “Sarah’s Law”, in other parts of the UK members of the public can submit an application for information on a person in relation to child sexual offences, if they are concerned about a person’s contact with children.
A similar legal mechanism doesn’t exist in the North, however police will release information on sex offenders if they feel it is in the interests of child safety.
For example, school principals, sports coaches, landlords, doctors, youth leaders should be informed by police, on a confidential basis, if a sex offender is living in the area.
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