Convicted paedophiles face chemical castration

THE British government is to run a pilot scheme giving convicted paedophiles drugs to suppress their libido, or so-called ‘‘chemical castration,’’ Home Secretary John Reid said yesterday.

The use of hormonal drugs was among a raft of proposed measures, which would also allow parents to know if people dealing with their children — such as new partners, new family members or carers — have child sex convictions.

Mr Reid told parliament that the aim was to strengthen the rights of victims rather than offenders.