Chief minister responds to concerns over 'lenient' sentencing outcomes for paedophiles

Review into Sexual Offences and Obscene Publications Act 'shortly'

The chief minister says he 'fully supports' tough sentences for any criminals convicted of child sexual offences on the Island.

It follows concerns raised by Manx residents over what are seen as 'lenient' sentencing outcomes for paedophiles and calls for a 'national inquiry'.

Concerns

The concerns were shared with the chief minister in an email from Douglas South MHK Sarah Maltby.

In her email, as seen by Manx Radio, Mrs Maltby says she's been contacted by 'numerous constituents who are deeply distressed by the recent sentencing outcomes for child sex offences handed down by the Isle of Man Courts.'

'The consistent message is clear' she says 'the current sentencing guidelines are far too lenient.'

Mrs Maltby has outlined what she says are the 'strongest calls':

1. A national inquiry into sentencing of child sex offenders to ensure children are protected and offenders face meaningful punishment. 
2. Recognition that repeat breaches of Sexual Harm Prevention Orders are being met with inadequate penalties, fuelling public anger and eroding trust in justice.
3. A view that the courts and current sentencing guidelines appear to prioritise offenders over victims, leaving the Island's children exposed to further risk.
4. Strong calls for Members of Tynwald to stand up publicly, on behalf of their constituents, and demand tougher, more effective sentencing.
5. Concern that without government intervention, leniency will continue to embolden offenders and lead to further harm. 

Mrs Maltby goes on to say: 'The overwhelming feeling across the Island is that enough is enough. Constituents are not reassured by existing responses; they want the Government to acknowledge these concerns and take decisive action. 

'I therefore urge you [chief minister] to make a public statement committing to a National Inquiry into sentencing guidelines for child sex offences and providing assurance that this matter will be taken seriously at the highest level. Our children deserve nothing less.'

Review into Sexual Offences Act 'shortly'

In his letter back to Mrs Maltby, Alfred Cannan says he acknowledges the content of the email and agrees that any sexual offences against children are 'appalling'.

The chief minister says he's spoken with the Justice and Home Affairs Minister Jane Poole-Wilson who, he says, 'recognises that there is much public concern about this matter, and that the community deserve to know that offenders are brought to justice, and managed effectively in the community when they are released from prison'.

While the words 'national inquiry' are not mentioned in Mr Cannan's response, he outlines where government is taking action in respect of crimes of this nature - including a commitment to reviewing the impact of the new Sexual Offences and Obscene Publications Act 2021 after it had been in operation for 18 months.

That came into force in March 2024, so is due to be reviewed shortly.

The Act, the chief minister says, 'significantly modernised the legal framework around sexual offences, including those involving children'.

He says: 'It introduced new offences, increased sentencing powers, and modernised provisions to reflect contemporary challenges.'

Mr Cannan adds that the minister for justice and home affairs assures that her department is bringing forward legislation which will include the ability to convene a sentencing council.

This body will be able to conduct reviews into sentencing and make recommendations to the Isle of Man Government where it believes changes may need to be made.

Manx Radio contacted the chief minister, minister for justice and home affairs and Mrs Maltby for further comment on this story.