Tory MSP Russell Findlay has said that action must be taken 'before more innocent people are harmed'
Since 2019, Police Scotland has received 521 notifications of sex offenders changing their identities.A Freedom of Information request from the Scottish Conservatives to Police Scotland found that there were 161 instances of sex offenders changing their names between 2019 and 2020, with 162 the following year.Glasgow pensioner Esther Brown was raped and murdered at her flat in the city's West End last year by a man who had changed his name.
“People would have no idea if someone living next door is legitimate or hiding a serious conviction and SNP ministers must close this dangerous loophole before more innocent people are harmed.”A Scottish Government spokesperson said: “Sex offender notification requirements apply to an individual, irrespective of what name they use. Registered sex offenders are obliged by law to notify the police of any change of name.
“In Scotland, the vast majority of registered sex offenders in the community comply with the notification requirements imposed upon them. Swift action is taken by the police in the minority of cases that do not comply, with those in breach facing penalties of up to five years in prison.”