A DISTRICT MP is demanding Government action to close a legal loophole which he says enables sex offenders to change their name without first notifying the police and other authorities.
Philip Davies, whose Shipley constituency includes Cullingworth and Denholme, said it was too easy for criminals to obtain new identities and that more needed to be done to protect the public.
He is backing an amendment to the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill.
“People will be shocked at how easy it is for a convicted sex offender to change their identity,” said Mr Davies.
“I am backing this amendment to ensure the Government consults with the police and other relevant authorities to work out a way to stop this from happening, rather than just relying on the sex offenders themselves to come clean about any name change as is presently the case. The fact someone can go underground and potentially commit further crimes and not be on the police radar beggars belief.”
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