Ministers propose a series of tough new measures.
Judges will be given powers to impose a ban on anyone given a sentence of 12 months or more for sexual or physical abuse of children from working with young people for at least 10 years. If they flouted the ban, they would face a penalty of up to five years in prison and an unlimited fine. The same penalty would apply to employers and voluntary organisers who knowingly allowed abusers to work with children. The measures would add to the Protection of Children Act passed a few weeks ago. That allows employers and voluntary organisations access to criminal records so they can identify unsuitable people.