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?

This is what I would do.

You’ve done the right thing OP.

Relieved to hear you've let her know and have talked to the police.

You've done the right thing.

I was thinking this too

Done the right thing as sex offenders are known to get close /relationship with women to access the children.
It's in their nature to be sly and manipulative.

You've done the right thing.

Did you message her anonymously? Just wondering if there is any way that he will know it is you and are you in any danger?

Let us know how it goes with the police or if you have a response from the girlfriend.

Contact the police. They will look into it because he’ll be registered with them. They’ll make sure the appropriate disclosures and safeguarding is done.

So glad you’ve had the courage to do this, OP.

There are laws about SO’s changing their names and having to notify police so I hope your report sparks some action. It could make a huge difference to a vulnerable little boy, too.

Good idea

It takes a village, yes do it please, save the child and mother any more damage than this AH might already have caused.

Well done OP. Telling the police is so important.

Please please tell her! People like him are never cured and her son is at risk! She may not believe you but she can ask the police for information as he's on the sex register! If you're afraid of backlash from his family you can contact the police yourself.

I wouldn't hesitate, if have already done it.

You’ve done the right thing. He is probably in breach of licence conditions and could be sent to prison.
well done OP.

You have definitely done the right thing he will have conditions around him

he is likely to have all ready spun a story of being misunderstood just incase she hears something, offenders like this are nearly always one step ahead always manipulating those around them

Well done op!

You need to do it immediately.

Thankfully someone has, sadly if parents wont protect their children from new partners someone has too

yes and you also report him!
he is on the register for a reason!

I knew someone like this new girlfriend and she did nothing to protect the child, even when told about him so 100% report as well

Good work, OP.
Really pleased you have reported this - so many cases of abuse have missed opportunities like this. Well done

Vital to tell the police for many reasons already given. Excellent advice and info from the safeguarding lead upthread. Don't message the lady directly and well done for doing this.

YES tell her ASAP! This child needs protecting!!!

Well done for acting so quickly he is a devious and potentially dangerous individual. I hope that he gets a visit from the police and that they remove his devices for checking.

Well done OP!!!!! You're a star!

100% send the article BUT I’d consider anonymising yourself. You could also go OTT and if you know what area they live in, contact the children’s social care team and make a report if you have the full name of the child or at least the mother perhaps. Because even if she knows she might think he’s changed?