Scottish Labour demanding urgent review in wake of John Nicoll case
Scottish Labour are demanding an urgent investigation into the monitoring of sex offenders after a known paedophile was convicted of abusing a young girl in Perth.
- By David Clegg, political editor
- Published in the Courier : 16.02.12
- Published online : 16.02.12 @ 12.37pm
Community safety spokeswoman Jenny Marra MSP said questions need to be answered over how John Nicoll was free to launch the horrifying attack despite being closely watched by Tayside Police.
He got the 13-year-old drunk before abusing her at an address in the town in July 2009, just a month after officers seized computers packed with child abuse images from his home.
Nicoll, who is now 30, moved to Perth in 2008 after his release from a two-year prison sentence in the United States. Born in Germany to Scots parents, he had been living in North Carolina when he was convicted of breaking into a house and sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl.
Tayside Police put him under close scrutiny from the minute he arrived in the Fair City and in 2010 even took unprecedented court action to keep tabs on him.
Chief Constable Justine Curran moved to have him made subject to the conditions of the sex offenders register and then to have him officially placed on the list.
He was first imprisoned for 12 months in August 2010 after admitting possession of 1,300 images of child pornography, found on his computer in Perth in June 2009.
This week he was jailed for 42 months and with an extended sentence of 27 months upon his release, after being convicted of sexually assaulting the 13-year-old.
The conviction provoked widespread revulsion in Perth, and calls for tougher sentencing and better monitoring of sex offenders.
Ms Marra has now called for Tayside Police to review the circumstances of the case to see what lessons can be learned.
She said: ''I will be writing to Tayside Police this week to ask them to conduct a full investigation into this case.
''If current procedure for monitoring sex offenders is not found to be sufficient then we need to know so we can get better and stricter controls in place. No child should ever be exposed to such danger.''
The MSP said the case raised the question of sex offenders coming into the UK from other countries. Nicoll has dual nationality so was able to enter the UK freely.
Ms Marra said: ''I will be doing some research on the controls that are in place, and if any loopholes are identified I will be contacting the Westminster Government to ask questions of their systems.''
Tayside Police has robustly defended its monitoring of high-risk sex offenders in the wake of the case.
Detective Chief Superintendent Craig Suttie said he could not comment on the particular circumstances, but stressed every effort is taken to protect the public.
The North Carolina Department of Correction's records reveal Nicoll has convictions for ''indecent liberties with a child'', burglary, speeding, resisting arrest and drugs offences.
12.53pm - 16.02.2012 Stuart Allan - Dundee, Scotland Report This
Of course, the police and Justice Dept will have been doing nothing up till now. Thank goodness Ms Marra is there to protect us ..... I hope the sarcasm at her distasteful opportunism is coming through here.
05.45pm - 16.02.2012 Thornindaside - perth, scotland Report This
So will the police be asking of the other stakeholders in the Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangement for feedback from their role in this case.Can't investigate and learn lessons if you don't get fully conversant with the stories behind the paperwork.
11.48pm - 16.02.2012 Sully - Dundee, Scotland, UK Report This
It is important that these failings are highlighted. Curiously, Stuart Allan notes the political background of the MSP. Why? I feel sure that victims of crime will be grateful the matter was raised, that it was a Scottish Labour MSP who did it being far less important to them?
07.24am - 17.02.2012 Dan - ne Fife, Scotland Report This
Maybe if the SG was on the ball it wouldn't need Jenny Marra to 'stick her oar in'? Kudos to her. It's good o see someone is paying attention.
10.43pm - 17.02.2012 Stuart Allan - Dundee, Scotland Report This
Sully, I did NOT mention Ms Marra's political background ... but YOU did. I merely highlighted her opportunism (and now yours) in using a tragic case to get publicity when investigations are already taking place.
09.33pm - 18.02.2012 Sully - Dundee, Scotland UK Report This
Opportunism, Stuart? I think you are spot on, but pointing an accusing finger at the wrong target. To clarify: I am not a member of any political party. Are you?
02.58pm - 20.02.2012 Stuart Allan - Dundee, Scotland Report This
Sully, why is Ms Marra's political background unimportant to you but mine is? When a politician makes a headline grabbing statement concerning tragedy to demand what she knows is already happening, I reserve the right to be annoyed about it. Are you happy for tragedy to be used for political gain.
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