Figures released following a parliamentary question from Margaret Mitchell have revealed that over five years there have been 830 incidents of sex offenders not telling the police about a change of address, or giving a required annual notification.
Only 259 of these breaches resulted in custodial sentences, with most resulting in monetary fines or ‘other’ sentences.
It was also revealed that 29 sex offenders since 2010/11 have left their usual home address or the UK entirely without notifying the police.
The Scottish Conservatives have raised concerns over the figures, and said that harsher punishments are needed to stop sex offenders attempting to hide from the police.
Scottish Conservative MSP Margaret Mitchell said:
“Sex offenders are given clear instructions about the need to notify the police of their whereabouts, but these figures show that hundreds of them are simply ignoring these requirements.
“When these individuals still pose a threat, it is vital that we know exactly where they are so they cannot go on to commit further offenses.
“With many of them not even receiving custodial sentences for these breaches, we are sending out a dangerous message that we are willing to let many of them away with a fine or a slap on the wrist.
“This is simply not good enough, and there needs to be tougher consequences for those who are flouting these rules. An important first step must be that as soon as they breach their conditions, they lose their right to anonymity.
“This would be a powerful deterrent as well as helping to ensure that the public are protected.
“These are often dangerous and predatory individuals, and we cannot jeopardise public safety by allowing them to disappear.”