Offenders’ names fear

Convicted sex offenders in Scotland have changed their names more than 500 times in the past three years, according to the Scottish Conservatives.

A freedom of information request submitted by the party revealed, that since 2019, Police Scotland has received 521 notifications of identity changes.

The move is allowed under existing laws, though concerns have been raised over the ability of offenders to hide their past as a result.

The Scottish Conservatives’ community safety spokesman Russell Findlay called for the loophole to be closed.

He said predators changing their names put victims – mostly women and children – at risk.