THOMAS MCGUIRE, CROYDON: PAEDOPHILE SENTENCED TO ONE YEAR IN PRISON

In December 2004, Thomas McGuire, a convicted paedophile, was sentenced to one year in prison after moving to Croydon without informing authorities. McGuire, who was labeled a high-risk sexual offender following his conviction at Newcastle Crown Court in 2000, failed to notify police of his relocation from Edinburgh to Akabusi Close in Croydon in September.

The court was told that McGuire, who pleaded guilty, had a history of offences including grooming children for sex. He had moved to Croydon after being assaulted in Edinburgh, which reportedly occurred after his previous convictions had become public knowledge.

McGuire’s defence explained that he had moved to Croydon to attend a residential course aimed at addressing his alcoholism. They also stated that he was afraid that revealing his convictions to the police might lead other patients to learn about his past.

During the sentencing at Croydon Crown Court last Friday, Judge Cedric Joseph remarked, "You have got an appalling record and of course very much to the point a number of convictions for offences against children boys and girls." The judge then sentenced McGuire to twelve months’ imprisonment.