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Fury over paedophile at child gym Fury over paedophile at child gym
(about 8 hours later)
A convicted paedophile is using a gym at a leisure centre which is also used by schoolchildren it has emerged.A convicted paedophile is using a gym at a leisure centre which is also used by schoolchildren it has emerged.
Concerned parent Anthony Callaghan alerted the authorities about the man, using the gym near Whitecross School in Lydney, Gloucestershire.Concerned parent Anthony Callaghan alerted the authorities about the man, using the gym near Whitecross School in Lydney, Gloucestershire.
The man was convicted of sex abuse on three girls aged 12 and 13 in 1999.The man was convicted of sex abuse on three girls aged 12 and 13 in 1999.
But solicitors acting for the school and local council said a ban would not be practicable as it might infringe the man's human rights.But solicitors acting for the school and local council said a ban would not be practicable as it might infringe the man's human rights.
I strongly condemn those who show weaknesses in not protecting the most vulnerable in our society Dan Norris MPI strongly condemn those who show weaknesses in not protecting the most vulnerable in our society Dan Norris MP
As a result, the child abuser has been allowed to go on using the leisure centre's facilities, which are shared by pupils and the public.As a result, the child abuser has been allowed to go on using the leisure centre's facilities, which are shared by pupils and the public.
Child protection campaigners have described the decision not to bar him as "insane", and an MP has accused the authorities of putting his rights above those of the children.Child protection campaigners have described the decision not to bar him as "insane", and an MP has accused the authorities of putting his rights above those of the children.
"It's totally unbelievable that this man is allowed to carry on visiting the school and using the gym," Mr Callaghan said."It's totally unbelievable that this man is allowed to carry on visiting the school and using the gym," Mr Callaghan said.
The child protection charity, Kidscape, described the decision not to ban the man as "crazy".The child protection charity, Kidscape, described the decision not to ban the man as "crazy".
Dr Michelle Elliott, Kidscape director, said: "It's an extraordinary story. When a convicted child sex offender's rights are upheld over the children's safety, then the cuckoos are running the nest. It's just crazy, This is insane."Dr Michelle Elliott, Kidscape director, said: "It's an extraordinary story. When a convicted child sex offender's rights are upheld over the children's safety, then the cuckoos are running the nest. It's just crazy, This is insane."
Police 'aware'Police 'aware'
Labour MP Dan Norris, a former child protection officer, also criticised Forest of Dean District Council, which runs the gym, for not acting more decisively and instituting a ban.Labour MP Dan Norris, a former child protection officer, also criticised Forest of Dean District Council, which runs the gym, for not acting more decisively and instituting a ban.
"I strongly condemn those who show weaknesses in not protecting the most vulnerable in our society from individuals who are known to have seriously harmed children in the past," he said."I strongly condemn those who show weaknesses in not protecting the most vulnerable in our society from individuals who are known to have seriously harmed children in the past," he said.
Gloucestershire Police said they were "aware" of the individual, but said they had received no complaints.Gloucestershire Police said they were "aware" of the individual, but said they had received no complaints.
A spokesman for the Forest of Dean District Council said it would comment on the issue on Monday.A spokesman for the Forest of Dean District Council said it would comment on the issue on Monday.
The Department for Constitutional Affairs, which is responsible for human rights policy in England and Wales, said in a statement: "The primary obligation of the state is the safety of its citizens.
"This obligation derives from the European Convention on Human Rights itself. Public safety and security remains the primary consideration when considering human rights issues."