PERTH SEX OFFENDER
Police have faced criticism after a sex offender with a history of failing to register his whereabouts managed to go missing following his release from prison.Mark King was released from jail on July 14, and by July 25, police publicly confirmed he had disappeared.
The last known sighting of King was at Perth’s bus station at 10:30 am on the day of his release.
King has a criminal record involving a pattern of not complying with sex offender registration requirements.
In 2013, he was classified as "high risk" and was incarcerated for a total of 642 days after giving police the slip.
He had previously informed authorities that he was camping near the Olympia building on Riverside Drive in Dundee but decided to travel to Perth and Blairgowrie without notifying police authorities, further complicating monitoring efforts.
This incident has led politicians and charities to question why sex offenders are permitted to give such vague addresses, hindering public safety measures.
Mid Scotland and Fife MSP Murdo Fraser criticised Police Scotland for delaying public alerts, emphasizing the ongoing risk posed by such offenders and insisting that police monitoring must be improved.
Colleagues have echoed concerns about the fact that he was able to go missing so soon after his release, especially given his history of giving vague addresses.
Police have warned the public not to approach King but have received potential sightings across Scotland, which are being followed up by officers.
Detective Superintendent Colin Gall stated that police continue to work with social services and other agencies to monitor offenders actively, but acknowledged that no system can eliminate risk entirely.
The police reaffirmed their commitment to minimising dangers and protecting public safety.
