Opt-in choice for jailed sex offenders `includes chemical castration`

Convicted paedophiles are reportedly to be offered ‘chemical castration’ treatment on the NHS in an attempt to stem the growing tide of sex offences in the UK.

The national programme will be trialled in six prisons as part of an initiative giving sex offenders an `opt-in` choice.

If they undergo the treatment, prisoners will be able to select from behaviour-altering medication to full chemical castration.

After an initial roll-out, it is understood the scheme is expected to expand further.

Criminal psychiatrist Professor Don Grubin is conducting the national chemical treatment programme, along with the prison service and the Department of Health.

The idea of offering behaviour-altering medication in prisons was first suggested in 2008, before being at HMP Whatton, a prison near Nottingham, where 92 sex offenders were treated.

While a small number of inmates will be given full chemical castration – where a person is prescribed a drug that takes away all sexual desire – the majority will be given medicines that dampen behaviour and reduce compulsive thinking.

According to academic studies, less than five per cent of abusers who received castration went on to re-offend, compared to almost 40 per cent otherwise.

The Howard League for Penal Reform has criticised the idea, noting that violence and domination motivate many sex offences, rather than sexual desire.

Last year a convicted paedophile who took behaviour-altering medication praised the idea.

“Before, I couldn`t be with a female without getting some thoughts, feelings or fantasies,” he said.

“With the medication, I`m completely fine, it`s reduced them and I`m more comfortable and confident.

“I was doing everything I could to stay in prison because I didn`t trust myself to be on the outside. But that`s now completely the other way around.”

The scheme comes as the National Police Chiefs` Council lead for child protection, Chief Constable Simon Bailey, said paedophiles who view indecent images but do not molest children should not be jailed as police need to focus on the most dangerous offenders.