Number of sex offenders increases

Naomi Bryant was killed by a convicted rapist in Winchester

The number of high risk registered sex offenders (RSO) living in Hampshire has increased by 46% in the past year, a government report has revealed.

Figures released by the Ministry of Justice showed there were 1,190 RSOs being monitored in the county, with 50 in the highest risk category.

Verna Bryant, whose daughter was stabbed by a convicted rapist, said more needs to be done to protect women.

Naomi Bryant's killer had been released from prison on human rights grounds.

RSOs in Hampshire and Isle of Wight Central: 315 Southampton: 219 North and East: 198 Portsmouth: 193 Western:183 Isle of Wight:82 Download the full report

Sex attacker Anthony Rice, 48, was freed nine months before he stabbed Ms Bryant in her home in Winchester in August 2005.

Mrs Bryant, from Winchester, said: "If they are going to let [sex offenders] out they should be monitored more closely, and if they are mentally sick men, you must make sure they are not out on the street to reoffend.

"I think we have all got human rights but they have got less because they gave up a lot of their rights when they offended."

The annual RSO report is carried out to highlight the work of Multi-Agency Public Protection Arrangements (MAPPA).

'Small minority' reoffend

Statistics showed that there were 67 RSOs per 100,000 people living in Hampshire from 1 April 2006 to 31 March 2007.

Mappa officials split sex offenders into three categories, with level three requiring the closest monitoring - those at high risk of re-offending.

There were 50 level three and 801 level two offenders living in Hampshire, compared to 36 level three and 545 level two offenders last year.

Of these, eight level three and 89 level two RSOs were returned to custody for a breach of their licence or restraining order, but none was charged with a serious sexual or violent offence.

Liz Ashton, director of offender management for Hampshire probation area, said: "We all know that there will be a small minority of cases where serious further offending will occur despite the efforts of all agencies concerned.

"In these circumstances we want to ensure we have done all that was reasonably possible to do."