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?

Definitely tell her!

You must alert her.

In her shoes I’d rather it come from the police. He may try to gaslight her into believing it was someone with a grudge if he’s controlling. Plus the police will be able to signpost support for her to keep him away.
YANBU at all to report this

Yes tell her. Do it anonymously if possible and link an article which is irrefutable so she can’t convince herself (or he can’t convince her) you’re some jealous crazy ex or something

I wouldnt bother telling her she may not belive you, he will be on the sex offenders register, inform police what you know, in not sure if Clares law would cover this?

* its Sarahs law*

Yep, I'd would, I wouldn't hesitate.
Are you planning on doing it via social media, if so I'd try to create a new account so he and his family don't connect the dots.
Or could you contact the police and express your concerns, if hes on the sex offenders register im sure (hopefully) they would take it seriously and warn her, that would take you out of the frame

Usually I say stay out of it. But in this scenario don’t hesitate, however I would make a fake profile and do it anonymously

This 100%

Thank you everyone, and thank you particularly for this because I hadn't thought of it. I need to be brave and do this for all the people who've been let down by people who've stayed silent.

Thank you so much everyone x

Tell her and tell the police.

You can tell her but more importantly you should be letting the relevant children social care MASH team so they can do any relevant assessments to ensure the young boys safety. Sadly he may well have groomed her already and so she may not be in a position to safeguard her son. If you Google the area they live in and MASH you will find the number and you can report this anonymously so he won't be aware it was you.

Tell the police. He will be on the sex offenders register. They can visit, tell the woman, and ensure no harm comes to the child.

Absolutely do it.

Of course you should tell her! You can also report it to his probation officer.

Contact police on 101 or online
Ask to speak to the team dealing with VISOR subjects
Ask if you can request a Claire's Law disclosure to be given to the new partner

Good luck and thank you for looking out for this woman and her son.

Yes and well done for doing this.

Yes inform Police, CSC, NSPCC too

Claire's Law is for domestic violence.

It's Sarah's Law that is relevant here.

Don't message her, OP. But definitely report this through the official channels. Contact the police and say you are aware of a child sex offender who appears to now be in close contact with a child. You can do this at your local police station or via 101.

Report to the police ASAP

Police and if you have one in your area the MASH (Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub), failing that Children's Social Services anyway.

You're doing the right thing.

I wouldn’t tell her. I’d inform social services and the police. Both will be able to assist her without risking yourself.

Tell her and save that poor child.
Could you contact the local police station where he is now living and tell them about this? There must be some terms in his parole or on a register forever.

police asap

Yes, please do and also the police. Id personally also send it to the boys dad if I could figure out who that was, the mum may be aware, the dad may not and the child needs safeguarded. Do it anonymously.

Share as a safeguarding with social care, they will contact the police and sensitively the mum. They will also likely contact school and health as part of screening.