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Vigilia_Procuratio ago

I do however agree that a public database is not necessarily a good idea because it will result in vigilantism. I would be more inclined to use a strike basis, so if somebody is convicted of a sexual offence once and does not serve time for it (because it's not quite serious enough) then they shouldn't be on a public database - a restricted one yes, such which would be used by agencies to run a criminal record check for example. Now if somebody either commits a sexual offence again or it is serious enough as to warrant imprisonment, maybe with a minimum of a 12 month sentence, then there may be grounds for a public database. It could result in harassment of offenders and that's not exactly ethical, but if it reduces offending because it acts as a deterrent then so be it. I just don't think somebody should be on public records because they put their hand up a woman's skirt in a pub, which probably happens occasionally and lands people on the register, but for serious offences I'd say there is a case for debate.