These people can be charming ... a jury needs to know (From Warrington Guardian)

These people can be charming ... a jury needs to know

THE father of a murdered Warrington schoolgirl believes juries in child sex abuse cases should be told if a defendant has convictions for similar offences.

Chris Hook's seven-year-old daughter, Sophie, attended the village school in Whitley. She was raped and murdered by a paedophile almost 10 years ago. He said it would give jurors a clearer picture of the accused.

"A jury needs to know the background because as individuals these people can be plausible and charming," said Mr Hook, who is managing director of a Knutsford firm.

Howard Hughes was found guilty of rape and murder in July 1996 and is serving three life sentences. He did not have any previous convictions.

However, from mid-December, under the Criminal Justice Act 2003, judges will be allowed to reveal details of a defendant's previous convictions for similar offences.

"It would be very difficult for jurors not to let it colour their views, but it is so pertinent to the trial," said Mr Hook, aged 46.

But critics of the Government's new legislation claim it will lead to miscarriages of justice.

Human rights group Liberty said jurors would find it difficult not to be influenced by a defendant's previous convictions.

A Bar Council spokesman said: "We need to avoid a 'round-up the usual suspects' culture, where those who have previous convictions could be increasingly presented to the courts as the sort of person likely to have committed a crime."

At Hughes' appeal against his conviction in 1998, his defence barrister, Patrick Harrington QC, claimed police took no time in deciding who they wanted for the crime.

"Hughes was well known in the area," he said

"He led a strange and bizarre life."

Since his daughter's death, Mr Hook has called for paedophiles to be locked up for life.

He wants offenders to be given a life sentence if convicted of three sexual offences against children.

"If it doesn't happen then eventually it will lead to something that is irretrievable as it did in our situation," he said.