‘Narrow exceptions’ to erasure of sex convictions

There are only “very narrow” exceptions to the exclusion of sex offenders from proposed laws aimed at erasing the convictions of offenders, according to penal reformers.

Responding to a report in yesterday’s Irish Examiner, the Irish Penal Reform Trust (IPRT) said sex offenders should be entitled, as much as any offenders, to have their convictions spent after a period crime free.

The Irish Examiner reported that a range of sexual offenders are included within the provisions of the Spent Convictions Bill 2012, contrary to official statements that sexual offenders were excluded from the bill.