To message her..

[TheDenimPoet]

I've almost decided I'm going to do this, but I need some support to know I'm doing the right thing.

Two years ago, a friend of mine (quite obviously not anymore) was arrested for child sex offences. Talking to a 13 year old boy online and arranging to meet. Sending sexual images etc. Anyway, he got found out, suspended sentence, sex offenders register for 15 years, broke up with his wife, lost contact with his kids.

He has made a false Facebook profile with a different first name and last name spelt backwards, and is now in a new relationship. He's been really cocky posting things online, as if he has no care in the world.

The new woman has a 12 year old son, and it genuinely knocked the wind out of my sails looking at him, and thinking that's almost the age of the boy he abused.

There's every chance she doesn't know. There was an article in the press, but it came and went, and unless she thought to Google him, she would probably never find out, as she's not local (I'm sure this was intentional).

So.

Should I send her the link to the article?

I really want to protect her and her son. I'm also really scared of backlash as there's been a lot of hate from his family that we haven't stuck by him. But there's no way I'm remaining friends and supporting this man.

Please tell me I'm doing the right thing by telling her?

Yes, tell her. That man may very well still pose a threat to children.

Yes send it now!

Do it.

I would. That might be unfair, but the potential damage to her son would outweigh that for me.

I would at least message her and tell her to do a claires law check

Absolutely. Tell her now.

I’d go as far as contacting the police as I would assume it’s part of his bail conditions to stay away from children.

You are absolutely doing the right thing in letting her know!

I would report it to the police and send them the details of his profile. They can safeguard her and her child and prosecute him if he’s broken his conditions. It will also save you from getting any backlash!

Tell her yes. I’d like to know if I was her.

Create a fake profile if necessary and send a link to the newspaper report of the case.

I’d report anonymously to her local social services also, just in case she’s one of these dopey women who puts cock first and does nothing to protect her child.

Yep and I would also inform the police, I am
absolutely certain he will not be allowed to have contact with a child nor will he be allowed to have a relationship with someone who has children under 18. He’s breaking the law.

Unequivocally, YES! Childhood sexual abuse has totally ruined my life. I wish someone had looked out for me.

No question I would definitely message.

You need to report this to the police . It may well be he is not allowed near children.

Safeguarding Lead here. I’d actually go further and tell the police. If he’s on the S.O.R. there may be restrictions on him - e.g. social media use, contact with under 18s / vulnerable young adults. As he’s using a variation of his name instead of his real one I would think this is the case. The police would then contact his probation officer if he still has one and / or make a decision on how to move forward with this.

You need to tell the police. He won't be allowed a SM presence I don't think.

But yes I'd send a link to the article and I wouldn't be hiding behind a fake name either. Her bairns at risk

You need to do a Claires Law request, provide his name, the fake profile and his new living arrangements. The police will contact his new partner to safeguard her and any children.

Don't mess about with Facebook, it's possible she'll never see the message or he could intervene putting her in danger. I'm sure 101 could advise more fully, but you are absolutely in the right to do this.

I’m sure Claire’s law will only disclose domestic abuse, not child offences. That’s Sarah’s law as far as i can remember?

Police definitely. Would there be likely to be any backlash against you if he knew you had reported him? Could you do it anonymously? Just be mindful of your own safety

Id be more inclinded to do this then tell her directly

With your concerns about the backlash from his family, I think I'd be inclined to contact the police and ask them to contact her.

I would tell her and also contact the police and tell them anonymous that he has changed his name etc

PPs have nailed it.
Contact her AND the police.

Do it, anonymously. Set up a Protonmail account and send it. She should know.