Sex attackers failing to get help in jail

Two thirds of convicted sex offenders due to be released from prison this year have not engaged with prison psychologists, which could have helped lower the risk of reoffending.

Latest figures show there are 319 convicted sex offenders in custody, with 114 due for release in 2012.

However, according to figures supplied to the Irish Examiner by the Prison Service, just 39 (34%) have engaged with prison psychologists in relation to their offending behaviour.