The headmaster at my primary school was well respected by the parents and feared by the kids. In fact, many of them hated him. He had a cane in his office and many were afraid to go in there.
Then one day he left the school very suddenly and went to live abroad with his family.
A few years later we heard that he had shot himself after being questioned in relation to child abuse charges. It transpired he was a paedophile who had molested dozens of little boys. None of the parents, or governors, or teachers had a clue, and of course he didn't have a criminal record.
Today it’s been announced that Sarah’s Law is to be introduced in the county where Sarah was murdered. It allows parents to ask whether a known paedophile is having any contact with their child. But the problem is that of course many paedophiles are not known to the police, until it’s too late.
I wholeheartedly support any measures taken to protect children. But I worry that Sarah’s Law may give a false sense of security.
I’d love to hear your views.
written by Liz Jarvis