A police chief has welcomed the most radical overhaul of sex crime legislation for decades, being announced today.

The new Sexual Offences Bill will tighten protection against paedophiles and rapists while relaxing laws on gay sex.

Chief Insp Tony Payne, operations manager at Southend police, said: "Following unfortunate events both nationally and in Essex, such as the Danielle Jones case, any legislation that tightens up the protection of children is something we would welcome.

"It gives us the opportunity to focus our minds on those people who are committing offences and ensure children are able to receive the full protection of the law."

It is expected the new Bill will introduce offences to combat sexual exploitation of children and adults, child abuse laws will be updated and the sex offenders' register tightened. Some gay sex offences, such as gross indecency and soliciting by men, will be swept away.

Those accused of rape will have to show they took "reasonable action" to ensure the other person consented to having sex.

And a loophole which allows men to claim sex with under-13s was consensual will be scrapped.

Today's proposals were being announced by Home Secretary David Blunkett.

They follow a White Paper published in November when Mr Blunkett said: "The law on sex offences is widely regarded as archaic, incoherent and discriminatory.

"We must have laws fit for the 21st Century that reflect today's society and attitudes and provide effective protection against today's crimes."

Published Wednesday, January 29, 2003

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