‘Chemical castrations’ may increase

MINISTERS are considering expanding the use of “chemical castration” of sex offenders as figures show that reoffending rates have surged.

Officials at the Ministry of Justice have been asked to draw up plans for an expansion of the treatment following pilot programmes at six prisons across the country.

A ministry source says as many as 120 serious offenders have already accepted the treatment, which suppresses libido, since it was introduced. Evidence has shown that it drastically reduces the chance of reoffending.

“The department is looking at whether this programme should be rolled out further,” the source said. “The decision has not been taken yet, but the questions have been asked.”

The Daily Telegraph understands that Levi Bellfield, the killer of Milly Dowler, and Ian Huntley, the Soham murderer, were offered the medication, but they declined and up to 1,500 current prisoners could be asked.