Battle to put killer on sex offenders’ register (From The Northern Echo)

Battle to put killer on sex offenders’ register

8:10am Monday 15th March 2010 in

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A MOTHER whose three-yearold daughter was abducted and murdered is pleading for help to ensure the killer is put on the sex offenders’ register if he is released from prison next year.

The sexual assault and murder of three-year-old Rosie Palmer in 1994 shocked the country and helped pave the way for the creation of the register.

However, her killer Shaun Armstrong will not have to register because he was not convicted of a sexual offence.

Armstrong, who lived in Frederic Street, Hartlepool, was jailed for life in 1995 for the murder of the youngster.

He was ordered to serve a minimum of 16 years.

Although the court was told the girl had been sexually abused, Armstrong did not face any sex offence charges.

Rosie’s mother Beverly Yates is desperately fighting to close the loophole.

She said: “I need to know that this man will not be allowed to wander the streets of any town without him being on the register. He could be due for parole next year and I need legal help to get my plea to court.

“I have been told that there is nothing that can be done to force him to register other than me personally applying in a civil court – and I simply am not in a position to do that.

“It is unbelievable that my daughter’s killer will not have to sign the register despite her death being one of the main reasons the law was brought in.”

The sex offenders’ register came into force in September 1997 and campaigners quickly realised that Armstrong would be exempt from signing it when he was released.

However, an appeal to the Home Office to change the rules failed.

Mrs Yates said: “I have lost everything – my daughter, the love of my life and my sanity – what has he lost? He could be out next year and will be able to live his life. I will never get Rosie back.”

Now a grandmother to 14- month-old Ruby Rose – the daughter of Mrs Yates’ younger daughter, Emmie – she fears for the toddler’s safety.

She said: “If he isn’t on the register, what will stop him coming back to Hartlepool and targeting Ruby Rose? I would be eternally grateful if a solicitor could help me to get him on the register – this man needs to watched.”

Last night, Middlesbrough Mayor Ray Mallon, who was one of the detectives who worked on the 1994 murder investigation, gave Mrs Yates’ campaign his support.

He said: “The public must be protected from anyone who has committed a serious sexual offence and the public must be protected from anyone who is released from prison.

“I would support any campaign that will help to protect the public.”

Detective Chief Inspector Alastair Simpson, of Cleveland Police, said: “We have been in touch with the family regarding the case. There are very robust procedures in place to manage sex offenders and we would welcome any change in legislation to further strengthen these measures.”

Anyone interested in supporting Mrs Yates is asked to contact Graeme Hetherington at The Northern Echo on 01325-505063, or graeme.hetherington@nne.co.uk.