Smallford split over mentally ill sex offender (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)

Smallford split over mentally ill sex offender

1:00pm Monday 15th March 2010 in

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A CAMPAIGN against a mentally ill sex offender has split the village of Smallford.

After a period in a mental health unit, Nigel Nash, a 27-year-old who lives in the village and has admitted sexual activity in the presence of a child and sexual assault of a girl under 13, was sentenced to three years supervision, compulsory treatment and a probation programme last month.

A leaflet delivered throughout the village on Thursday claims he has returned to his home because of "plea bargaining and shelving other alleged cases" and urges people to sign a petition.

It reads: "Tell your neighbour. Their children could be at risk. Write to your MP and demand action.

"Write to the Housing at St Albans Council demanding his removal from the area under Sarah's Law."

But villagers who did not want to be named told the Review: "I don't know who has sent this round, but it is someone trying to start trouble.

"Most people in the village think he is harmless and should be left alone.

"He is not violent and never gives any problems.

"He has a medical problem and he needs treatment."