Mum who discovered paedophile was living on her street was told keep it secret by police

A mum who discovered a convicted paedophile had moved onto her street but was told to keep it secret by police says Sarah’s Law is failing children.

Sarah’s Law, officially known as the Child Sex Offender Disclosure Scheme, was introduced following the abduction and murder of Sarah Payne, eight, by paedophile Roy Whiting, in 2000.

Claire became suspicious of a new neighbour after he knocked on their door and asked if their eight-year-old daughter would like to go berry picking with him.

After becoming suspicious, she contacted West Yorkshire Police and discovered he had previously been jailed for possessing child abuse images.

Under the conditions of Sarah’s Law, Ms Varin was made to sign a non-disclosure form, preventing her from warning anybody else. However, after her neighbours found out, she was taken to court.

She said: “It makes you question how effective the law is. It’s meant to be there to protect children, but we can’t share the information – technically you aren’t even supposed to tell your partner, although the police did accept I was going to do so to protect my children.”

Source: Mum who discovered paedophile was living on her street was told keep it secret by police – Leeds Live